a tremendous setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tremendous setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or hindrance faced by an individual, group, or organization. Example: "The unexpected loss in the final match was a tremendous setback for the team's championship hopes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"If Novartis had won, this would have been a tremendous setback for us," he said.

The New York Times

"I believe that this is a tremendous setback for North Korea and, indeed, a setback for the world," Trump said.

The Washington Post

The bill is unconstitutional and, if passed, would signify a tremendous setback for women's land rights.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

From the Times: "This is a tremendous setback," said Steve Valk, communications director for the Citizens Climate Lobby, an advocacy group devoted to enacting a carbon tax in the United States.

The New Yorker

Last November, after years of rolling smoothly toward anticipated certification, production and delivery of its first aircraft this year, Eclipse suffered a tremendous setback when the lightweight engines to be produced for the jets by Williams International failed to meet requirements.

The New York Times

That would be a tremendous setback to a program that has proven beneficial to tens of thousands of children across the state.

University of California, Berkeley

Even after the team had left, the British Deputy High Commissioner complained that the incident had caused a "tremendous setback" in relations between the two nations.

The Guardian - Sport

There's also the effort to re-elect New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine -- for without him, the effort to secure marriage equality there will suffer a tremendous setback.

Huffington Post

"It would be a tremendous, tremendous setback," said Pepe Hernandez, the president of the Cuban American National Foundation, which provides support to the anti-Castro movement in Cuba.

The New York Times

He was not crushed in spirit in spite of the tremendous setback he had received, but wrote to Alexander advising him to bear his success as one who was only human and to release the captives in return for a large ransom.

University of Chicago

Gurdev Khush of the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Philippines, said the devastation will be "a major setback for India's rice research program" and a "tremendous loss" for scientists around the world.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tremendous setback for" when you want to emphasize the significant negative impact on a person, group, project, or goal. It's best suited for formal writing and speech.

Common error

Avoid using "a tremendous setback for" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big problem" or "a major issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tremendous setback for" functions as a predicative expression, attributing a significant negative impact to a person, group, or entity. It modifies the subject by describing the effect of an event or decision. Ludwig examples validate that "a tremendous setback for" is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tremendous setback for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While appropriate for formal and neutral contexts such as news reports and academic writing, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives like "a major problem" may be preferred in informal settings. The phrase effectively communicates the severity and consequences of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe blow to

Emphasizes the force and impact of the negative event.

a significant disadvantage for

Highlights the unfavorable position created by the setback.

a major impediment to

Focuses on the hindering aspect, suggesting something is preventing progress.

a crushing defeat for

Highlights the sense of failure and loss.

a monumental hurdle for

Stresses the difficulty and challenge presented by the setback.

a grave consequence for

Emphasizes the serious and lasting effects of the setback.

a critical failure for

Emphasizes the lack of success and potentially catastrophic outcome.

a notable reversal for

Focuses on the change in fortune or progress.

a substantial regression for

Emphasizes the act of returning to a previous state.

a considerable handicap for

Stresses the burden or obstacle created.

FAQs

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

This phrase typically follows a statement describing an event or situation and precedes the entity negatively affected, for example, "The budget cuts were "a tremendous setback for" the research program".

What are some alternatives to "a tremendous setback for"?

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

Is "a tremendous setback for" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "a major problem for" or "a big issue for" might be more appropriate.

What makes "a tremendous setback for" different from "a minor setback for"?

"A tremendous setback for" implies a significant and impactful negative event, whereas "a minor setback for" suggests a smaller, less consequential issue.