a slight setback

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slight setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to either a temporal, insignificant problem or an obstacle that is not serious or major. Example sentence: Despite the new business experiencing a slight setback in the beginning, it quickly grew to be successful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Annie Power will go straight to Cheltenham after a slight setback.

The Guardian - Sport

" The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Zacinto has been ruled out of the 2,000 Guineas after suffering a slight setback.

The Guardian - Sport

But his reputation for wringing maximum tension out of a negotiation suffered a slight setback last week.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately Theo had a slight setback in training, and that's the major concern with him," said Roy Hodgson.

The Guardian - Sport

Hiddink will be relieved that a slight setback in Hatem Ben Arfa's recovery from a long-term hamstring injury means he will not be involved.

The Guardian - Sport

She did have a slight setback but I have been riding her in her work and I was happy she would run a good race".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"He had a slight little setback but we checked by scan and there is nothing wrong.

Independent

This is indeed a very slight setback for Vanessa Hudgens, although I imagine she gets more credit for the $9.8 million opening than Pettyfer does.

Huffington Post

One sure indicator is Plouffe's resurrection in the face of Obama and his fellow Spinelesscrats turning the slight setback of Scott Brown's Massachusetts win into a self-inflicted bloodbath of the mind.

Huffington Post

"It's just a little setback.

The New York Times

Despite these slight setbacks, Tree Thinking does an admirable job describing the important parts of phylogenetic biology as well as the educational philosophy behind their framework.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight setback" to downplay the severity of a problem, helping to maintain a positive outlook in reports or conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight setback" repeatedly in a single document. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "minor hitch" or "small delay" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight setback" functions as a noun phrase that describes a minor impediment or temporary delay. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to indicate a problem that is not considered serious or major. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight setback" is a commonly used phrase to describe a minor or temporary problem. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider alternative expressions like "a minor hitch" or "a small delay" to maintain clarity and engagement. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media, making it a versatile choice for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor hitch

Emphasizes a small, often temporary, problem.

a small delay

Focuses specifically on the temporal aspect of the setback.

a temporary difficulty

Highlights the transient nature and challenging aspect of the situation.

a passing obstacle

Suggests the setback is not only small but also quickly overcome.

a brief regression

Implies a return to a previous, less developed state for a short period.

a limited impediment

Highlights that the degree of the obstacle is not important.

a modest challenge

Underlines that the situation poses a slight challenge.

a marginal issue

Indicates that the problem is located at the periphery.

a trivial complication

Emphasizes that the degree of complication is not high.

a fleeting difficulty

Implies that the setback is something not to be worried about because it will disappear soon.

FAQs

What does "a slight setback" mean?

The phrase "a slight setback" refers to a minor or temporary obstacle or delay in progress. It indicates that while there has been a hindrance, it is not significant enough to cause major disruption.

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

You can use "a slight setback" to describe a temporary problem or delay. For example: "The project experienced "a slight setback" due to unexpected weather conditions, but we are working to catch up."

What are some alternatives to "a slight setback"?

Some alternatives to "a slight setback" include "a minor hitch", "a small delay", or "a temporary difficulty". These phrases all convey a similar meaning of a minor impediment.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight setback" is appropriate for use in formal writing. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your document. In some cases, a more precise or detailed explanation of the issue may be more suitable.