as a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that hinders progress or causes a delay in achieving a goal. Example: "The unexpected storm was seen as a setback in our plans to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trade lawyers viewed the decision a year ago as a setback for U.S. manufacturers with anti-dumping cases.

The New York Times

The Dutchman described it as "a setback".

The Guardian - Sport

In domestic politics, this counts as a setback.

The Economist

He refused to see any of this as a setback.

The New York Times

"We see this as a setback in the fight against corruption," the embassy said on Twitter.

The New York Times

"We see this as a setback for the revolution we are pursuing.

The New York Times

The decision is being seen as a setback for the pro-democracy movement.

The Guardian

The extension is seen as a setback to progress in African governance by the international community.

The Guardian

"I don't see that game as a setback at all," Vick said.

The New York Times - Sports

Also, she sees the cuts as a setback for the city's sense of cohesion.

The New York Times

It handled the loss in America as a setback, not a catastrophe.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a setback", consider the degree of impact. If the event is only a minor inconvenience, a less dramatic phrase might be more appropriate. For more significant obstacles, "as a setback" effectively conveys the negative impact on progress.

Common error

Avoid using "as a setback" for trivial issues. Save it for situations where progress is genuinely hindered or delayed. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a setback" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating how something is perceived or regarded. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct. For example, the decision is seen as a setback.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that hinders progress or causes a delay. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently used in news and media, as well as in more formal business and academic contexts. While there are many alternatives, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, the alternatives phrases can range from neutral phrases like "as a difficulty" to negative implications like "as a blow". Remember to use "as a setback" when the situation genuinely warrants such a description and avoid overusing it for minor issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a hindrance

Replaces "setback" with a more general term for something that obstructs progress.

as a stumbling block

Emphasizes the obstructive nature, suggesting a barrier that impedes progress.

as a reverse

A more concise way of saying progress has been negatively impacted.

as an impediment

A more formal synonym for "hindrance", indicating a significant obstacle.

as a complication

Highlights the added difficulty or complexity caused by the event.

as a difficulty

A simpler and more general term for something that causes problems.

as a hitch

Suggests a temporary or minor problem that causes a delay.

as a complication

Focuses on the added complexity or problems arising from the situation.

as a blow

Emphasizes the negative impact or shock caused by the event.

as an adverse development

A more formal and neutral way of describing an unfavorable event.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a setback" to describe an event or situation that hinders progress or causes a delay. For example, "The unexpected delay was seen as a setback for the project."

What are some alternatives to using "as a setback"?

You can use alternatives like "as a hindrance", "as a stumbling block", or "as a reverse" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as a set back" (two words)?

No, the correct phrasing is "as a setback" (one word). "Setback" functions as a noun in this context, and it's written as a single word.

What's the difference between "as a setback" and "as a challenge"?

"As a setback" implies a negative impact on progress, while "as a challenge" suggests an opportunity to overcome an obstacle and grow. A setback hinders, while a challenge motivates.