a setback occurs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a setback occurs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where progress is hindered or delayed due to an unexpected problem or difficulty. Example: "Despite the team's hard work, a setback occurs when the main supplier fails to deliver the necessary materials on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It became the Great Depression because once a setback occurred, a financial system based on gold was so shaky that normal recovery was difficult and, perhaps, impossible.

The New York Times - Books

A setback occurred in the U.S. Congress's first pass at health reform legislation when the Congressional Budget Office presented cost figures higher than the administration's numbers.

Harvard Business Review

A setback occurred when a typhoon struck the Haiphong area, destroying almost half of the refugee staging area.

Wikipedia

This the Campbells eventually achieved although a setback occurred during the Civil War when a Covenanter army under Sir David Leslie arrived on the island in 1647.

Wikipedia

While that means the business will underperform its peers during the mania years, it will also survive when the inevitable setback occurs.

The New York Times

A serious setback occurred when 18-year-old Jesse Gelsinger died in a University of Pennsylvania gene therapy trial for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency in 1999.

SEP

But a major setback occurred in 1994 in the shape of the Kenneth Branagh movie Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Independent

A major setback occurred partway through the project when Dr. Chiang found he could gather data five times as fast if he recorded the neuron images in a different way.

The New York Times - Science

A dramatic setback occurred when Charles VIII sent his fiancée Margaret back to her father and required Anne to sever her marriage with Maximilian and to become the queen of France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By ad 60 much had been achieved; Suetonius Paulinus, governor from 59 to 61, was invading the island of Anglesey, the last stronghold of independence, when a serious setback occurred: this was the rebellion of Boudicca, queen of the Iceni.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major setback occurred in 2007, when one of the walls of Woolsthorpe top lock had to be propped to prevent it collapsing, and British Waterways took the decision to fill it in, as funding was not available to rebuild it.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a setback occurs", ensure that the context clearly identifies the nature and impact of the setback. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a setback occurs" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice alternatives that emphasize who or what caused the setback to create a more engaging and direct narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a setback occurs" functions as a statement indicating that a problem or obstacle has arisen, hindering progress. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a setback occurs" is a grammatically correct way to express that a problem or obstacle has arisen, hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its frequency is limited in the provided data, it serves to report or acknowledge an impediment in various situations. Alternatives include phrases such as "a problem arises" or "progress is impeded". When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effectively communicate the nature and impact of the setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem arises

This alternative highlights the emergence of an issue that impedes progress.

a difficulty emerges

This phrase emphasizes the appearance of a challenge or obstacle.

an obstacle arises

This emphasizes the presence of a barrier.

a hurdle appears

This suggests an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

a snag develops

This indicates a minor problem that can cause a delay.

a hitch develops

This suggests a temporary malfunction or interruption.

a complication happens

This highlights an unexpected complexity that arises.

a reversal takes place

This indicates a change of direction that is unfavorable.

progress is impeded

This suggests that forward movement is being slowed down or blocked.

a delay ensues

This indicates that a period of waiting or postponement follows.

FAQs

How can I use "a setback occurs" in a sentence?

You can use "a setback occurs" to describe a situation where progress is hindered. For example: "Despite our efforts, a setback occurs when the funding is delayed."

What can I say instead of "a setback occurs"?

You can use alternatives like "a problem arises", "a difficulty emerges", or "progress is impeded" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a setback occurs" or "a setback happened"?

"A setback occurs" is generally more formal and can be used in professional or academic writing, while "a setback happened" is more informal. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context and tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a setback occurs" and "a setback is experienced"?

"A setback occurs" is a more direct and active way of stating that a problem has arisen. "A setback is experienced" is passive and can sometimes sound less impactful or less clear about who is affected by the setback.