Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a subsequent setback occurred
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a subsequent setback occurred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that happened after a previous event, indicating that there was a failure or difficulty that followed something else. Example: "After the initial success of the project, a subsequent setback occurred when funding was unexpectedly cut."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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.
News & Media
A setback occurred when a typhoon struck the Haiphong area, destroying almost half of the refugee staging area.
Wiki
But a major setback occurred in 1994 in the shape of the Kenneth Branagh movie Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
News & Media
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.
Science
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.
Wiki
Another setback occurred in 2009, when a woman claimed to have suffered a head injury.
Wiki
The most significant setback occurred on Wednesday, when a federal judge in New York refused to dismiss a batch of lawsuits brought against German companies by Holocaust victims.
News & Media
Its biggest setback occurred in 2000, when a proposed three-way $140 billion deal to acquire the drug makers Warner-Lambert and American Home Products collapsed.
News & Media
Heaney's third setback occurred in late March, a few days before the start of the season.
News & Media
The same setback occurred three times, and after a magnetic resonance imaging test was performed on Tuesday and three specialists consulted, Gardner decided to have surgery.
News & Media
The setback occurred early enough to permit further adjustment.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a subsequent setback occurred", ensure that the context clearly establishes the initial event to which the setback is subsequent. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "a subsequent setback occurred" without clearly defining the initial event or situation. Failing to do so can leave the reader confused about what the setback is related to.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a subsequent setback occurred" functions as a narrative device to introduce an event that negatively impacts a situation following an earlier action or state. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
30%
Science
30%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a subsequent setback occurred" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a problem that follows an earlier event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the prior event is clearly established for clarity. Alternatives like "a later problem arose" may be considered depending on the context and desired tone. The phrase’s formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, as illustrated by its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Britannica.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a later problem arose
Replaces 'setback' with 'problem' and 'occurred' with 'arose', simplifying the language.
a subsequent difficulty emerged
Substitutes 'setback' with 'difficulty' and 'occurred' with 'emerged', maintaining a formal tone.
a later obstacle presented itself
Replaces 'setback' with 'obstacle' and uses the more descriptive 'presented itself' instead of 'occurred'.
a further impediment arose
Uses 'impediment' as a synonym for 'setback', adding a slightly more formal nuance.
a following issue developed
Substitutes 'subsequent' with 'following', making it less formal and replaces 'setback' with 'issue' and 'occurred' with 'developed'.
another hitch surfaced afterwards
Replaces 'setback' with the more informal 'hitch' and uses 'surfaced' instead of 'occurred', adding 'afterwards' for clarity.
a secondary reversal happened
Substitutes 'setback' with 'reversal' and 'occurred' with 'happened', offering a more direct alternative.
a later complication took place
Replaces 'setback' with 'complication' and 'occurred' with 'took place'.
a subsequent snag arose
Uses 'snag' as a synonym for 'setback', which is slightly more informal.
another problem then arose
Changes the structure to emphasize the temporal sequence using 'then', and replaces 'setback' with 'problem'.
FAQs
How can I use "a subsequent setback occurred" in a sentence?
You can use "a subsequent setback occurred" to indicate that a problem or difficulty arose after an initial event or success. For example: "After the initial launch was successful, "a subsequent setback occurred" when the software malfunctioned."
What are some alternatives to saying "a subsequent setback occurred"?
Alternatives include "a later problem arose", "a following difficulty emerged", or "another issue developed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. See more at "a later problem arose", "a following difficulty emerged", or "another issue developed".
Is it better to say "a subsequent setback occurred" or "a setback subsequently occurred"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a subsequent setback occurred" is often preferred for clarity and flow. "A setback subsequently occurred" can sound slightly less natural. Consider the specific context when making your choice.
What is the difference between "a subsequent setback" and "a previous setback"?
"A subsequent setback" refers to a problem that occurred after a prior event, while "a previous setback" refers to a problem that occurred before the current situation. Using the correct term is essential for conveying the correct sequence of events.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested