barring unforeseen setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barring unforeseen setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is expected to happen unless unexpected problems arise. Example: "The project is set to be completed by the end of the month, barring unforeseen setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Judith Hanna London Is it not heartwarming that when (barring unforeseen setbacks) Jeremy Corbyn begins his first period in government (Report, 3 August), he will have the oldest starting age ever for a prime minister?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Barring unforeseen repercussions from his concussion, Drogba will be back.

The New York Times - Sports

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I promised, I'd be there.

The New Yorker

Barring unforeseen complications, they could complete their quest early next week.

The New York Times - Sports

This, then, is the discouraged, disjointed beast that Michael Chertoff, barring unforeseen difficulties, will soon inherit.

The New Yorker

Barring unforeseen disasters, the first dividends, totalling £133m, will be paid in July.

Independent

Both sides expect that, barring unforeseen circumstances, Ms. Kagan will be confirmed.

The New York Times

"Barring unforeseen disasters, these herbaceous plants could live forever," he said.

The New York Times

Barring unforeseen and amazing wizardry, it's not going to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Barring unforeseen calamity, they're on the way to do just that.

The Guardian - Sport

"Barring unforeseen occurrences in the final weekend, John Kerry should carry the state fairly easily".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barring unforeseen setbacks" to add a note of caution or realism when predicting a positive outcome. It acknowledges potential risks without dwelling on them negatively.

Common error

Avoid stacking "barring unforeseen setbacks" with other hedging phrases like "it is hoped" or "potentially." This can make your writing sound overly cautious and less confident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barring unforeseen setbacks" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a condition or exception. It modifies a statement, indicating that the stated outcome is expected unless unexpected problems occur, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barring unforeseen setbacks" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a conditional expectation, suggesting an anticipated outcome unless unexpected problems arise. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to professional register. While a direct example match is rare, similar examples underline the phrase’s valid usage. Alternative phrases, such as "unless unexpected problems arise" or "if no unexpected issues occur", can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless unexpected problems arise

Replaces "barring unforeseen setbacks" with a more direct and common expression.

if no unexpected issues occur

Uses a conditional clause to express the same contingency.

assuming there are no unexpected complications

Emphasizes the assumption of a smooth process without complications.

provided no unforeseen difficulties emerge

Similar to 'if no unexpected issues occur' but uses slightly more formal language.

except in the case of unforeseen impediments

Introduces a specific exception for unforeseen obstacles.

contingent on no unexpected delays

Highlights the dependency on the absence of delays.

subject to no unanticipated obstacles

Indicates that the outcome is conditional upon avoiding unanticipated obstacles.

without unexpected hindrances

Focuses on the absence of impediments.

absent any unforeseen adversities

Uses more formal and emphatic vocabulary.

excluding any unexpected difficulties

Directly excludes the possibility of unexpected difficulties influencing the outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "barring unforeseen setbacks" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "contingent upon the absence of unforeseen complications" or "subject to no unanticipated obstacles." These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

What does "barring unforeseen setbacks" mean?

The phrase "barring unforeseen setbacks" means that something is expected to happen or be successful, unless unexpected problems or difficulties arise. It's used to express a conditional expectation.

Is "barring unforeseen setbacks" the same as "knocking on wood"?

While both phrases acknowledge potential negative outcomes, "barring unforeseen setbacks" is more of a practical statement. "Knocking on wood" is a superstitious action to ward off bad luck, whereas "barring unforeseen setbacks" is a reasoned assessment.

What are some less formal alternatives to "barring unforeseen setbacks"?

Less formal options include "if nothing goes wrong", "assuming all goes well", or "as long as there are no surprises". These phrases are suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing contexts.