a temporary setback

USAGE SUMMARY

"a temporary setback" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short-term obstacle or difficulty that is likely to be overcome. For example, "We encountered a temporary setback when the power went out, but we were able to keep up with our schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a temporary setback.

The New York Times - Sports

World War II was a temporary setback.

The New York Times - Arts

This comeback, though, suffered a temporary setback.

The New York Times - Sports

I see the current controversies as a temporary setback.

University of California, Berkeley

FilmOn said the ruling was "just a temporary setback".

The New York Times

That effort has suffered at least a temporary setback.

The New York Times

A single defeat was seen as a temporary setback.

The New York Times

In turned out to be only a temporary setback.

The New Yorker

"This is just a temporary setback," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a temporary setback for fans of the sublimely goofy.

The New York Times

But the visa denial was just a temporary setback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a temporary setback", follow it with an explanation of how the situation is being addressed or overcome to instill confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a temporary setback" to describe serious or long-lasting issues, as it can minimize the actual impact and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a temporary setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation or event that causes a delay or problem, but is not expected to have lasting consequences. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in describing challenges in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a temporary setback" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a short-term obstacle or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, academic writing, and formal business settings. While offering reassurance, it's crucial to avoid using it to downplay significant issues. Consider alternatives like "a minor impediment" or "a passing difficulty" for nuanced expression. Remembering these tips will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor impediment

Replaces "setback" with a synonym emphasizing the small scale of the difficulty.

a passing difficulty

Highlights the transient nature of the obstacle.

a short-lived obstacle

Emphasizes that the problem will not persist for long.

a momentary challenge

Focuses on the brief and demanding nature of the situation.

a brief hiccup

Uses a more informal term to describe a minor disruption.

a fleeting delay

Highlights the temporal aspect of the obstruction.

a transient issue

Emphasizes the impermanence of the problem.

a temporary hurdle

Substitutes "setback" with a synonym, suggesting something to overcome.

a pause in progress

Describes the situation as a brief interruption of advancement.

a limited drawback

Highlights the limited extent and negative effect of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a temporary setback" to describe a short-term obstacle or difficulty that is likely to be overcome. For example: "The project experienced "a temporary setback" due to funding issues, but we expect to resume soon."

What are some alternatives to saying "a temporary setback"?

Alternatives to "a temporary setback" include "a minor impediment", "a passing difficulty", or "a brief hiccup", depending on the context.

Is "a temporary setback" the same as "a permanent setback"?

No, "a temporary setback" implies a short-term issue that will be resolved, whereas "a permanent setback" suggests a lasting negative impact that cannot be easily overcome.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a temporary setback"?

It's inappropriate to use "a temporary setback" when describing significant, long-lasting problems, or situations where the negative impact is severe and unlikely to be resolved quickly. In such cases, it's more accurate to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.