a substantial setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an event or situation that has caused a significant hindrance or delay to progress or success. Example: "The unexpected storm was a substantial setback for the construction project, pushing the timeline back by several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"That was a substantial setback for Vitro and a substantial victory for the holdouts".

The New York Times

While these tactics conformed to the national government's political priorities, they were a substantial setback for municipal Shanghai's global aspirations.

Yale University

The judgment is a substantial setback for the prime minister, Theresa May, who wants to set the exit process in motion by March.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fibrosis poses a substantial setback in regenerative medicine.

Fibrogenesis and Tissue Repair

FORT MILL, S.C. — Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson has taken a sharp dive in recent national polls, another substantial setback for the retired neurosurgeon's campaign that comes amid ongoing scrutiny over his grasp of foreign policy issues.

The Washington Post

Is this a significant setback for Bitcoin?

Harvard Business Review

It would also be a significant setback for Isis.

The Guardian

Losing the deal would be a significant setback for EMI.

The New York Times

The denouncement comes as a significant setback for Pruitt.

Huffington Post

Mr. Bush spoke only hours before the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the results of manual recounts in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties must be included in Florida's final vote totals, a substantial legal setback for his brother.

The New York Times

Still, for all of the applause in Washington and London and the very substantial setback the loss of the city represents for the Taliban, its conquest is not a knockout blow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial setback for" when you want to emphasize a significant but not necessarily catastrophic negative impact on a plan, project, or entity. The phrase suggests that while progress has been hindered, recovery is still possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial setback for" when the impact is minor or easily overcome. Overusing strong language can dilute the impact of your writing and make it seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial setback for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or a complement. It describes a condition or event that negatively impacts something. Ludwig demonstrates its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial setback for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant hindrance or negative impact on something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, followed by science and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, be mindful of accurately reflecting the magnitude of the setback and avoiding overstatement. Consider alternatives like ""a significant impediment to"" or ""a serious blow to"" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Be careful to use the correct indefinite article "a" instead of "an" before "substantial".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impediment to

Replaces "setback" with a synonym that highlights the hindering aspect, while "impediment" suggests a more obstructive effect.

a considerable disadvantage for

Emphasizes the creation of an unfavorable position, focusing on the competitive aspect.

a major stumbling block for

Indicates a significant obstacle that hinders progress; "stumbling block" implies a hindrance that is difficult to overcome.

a serious blow to

Conveys a sudden and damaging impact; the emotional tone is stronger than "setback".

a tough break for

An informal way to express an unfortunate event; more colloquial than the original phrase.

a real hardship for

Highlights the difficulty and suffering caused by the event; emphasizes the burden imposed.

a notable regression for

Focuses on a return to a previous, less developed state; emphasizes a backward movement.

a marked decline in

Indicates a downward trend in performance or quality; less about hindrance and more about deterioration.

a negative turning point for

Suggests a change in direction for the worse; less focused on the impact and more on the change in trajectory.

a considerable reversal of fortune for

Emphasizes a change from good luck to bad; more dramatic than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial setback for" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial setback for" to describe a significant negative impact. For instance, "The budget cuts were a substantial setback for the research program."

What can I say instead of "a substantial setback for"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant impediment to", "a serious blow to", or "a major stumbling block for" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a setback for" or "an setback for"?

The correct usage is "a setback for". The indefinite article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds.

What's the difference between "a substantial setback for" and "a minor inconvenience for"?

"A substantial setback for" implies a significant negative impact, while "a minor inconvenience for" suggests a slight and easily manageable problem.