be a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a setback" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an event or situation that hinders progress or causes delay. Example: "The unexpected storm will be a setback for our outdoor event." Alternative expressions include "be an obstacle," "be a hindrance," and "be a disadvantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

The Economist

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any large claim by municipal governments would be a setback.

The New York Times

ReprintsLosing in Kaohsiung would be a setback for the DPP.

The Economist

"A Republican presidency would not necessarily be a setback.

The Guardian - Business

To most people, that would be a setback.

The Guardian - Film

A humiliation for BP in Russia would be a setback to this charm offensive.

The Economist

Sure, if Mr. Corzine abandons his new post, it would be a setback for the firm.

The New York Times

It would also appear to be a setback in the fight against global warming.

The New York Times

But it would be a setback for pimps to lose a major online marketplace.

The New York Times

Losing out on the deal would be a setback with important de- rating risk.

The Guardian - Business

A crash in May turned out to be a setback for Vande Velde.

The New York Times - Sports

"It would be a setback, for the sport and for these fighters.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a setback", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it a delay, a reversal, or a more general hindrance? Choose synonyms accordingly to better express the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "be a setback" when a situation is catastrophic or irreversible. This phrase is more appropriate for temporary delays or minor hindrances. For severe situations, consider stronger terms like "disaster" or "catastrophe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a setback" primarily functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a specific event, decision, or situation as something that hinders progress or causes a reversal. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase follows a linking verb, such as "is", "would be", or "will be".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

The New York Times - Sports

6%

The Economist

4%

Less common in

Forbes

1%

Huffington Post

1%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a setback" is a frequently used phrase that describes something that hinders progress or causes a delay. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, most commonly appearing in news and media. While it's a versatile expression, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid using it when a situation is catastrophic. Alternatives such as "represent a step back" or "cause a delay" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent a step back

Focuses on regression from a previous state or position, emphasizing the negative movement.

constitute a reverse

Highlights a complete turnaround from a desired direction or outcome, implying a significant change.

prove to be a hindrance

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the situation, suggesting difficulty in moving forward.

present a challenge

Indicates that something will cause difficulty and require effort to overcome. It is a more neutral phrasing.

cause a delay

Stresses the temporal aspect of the problem, focusing on postponing progress.

impede progress

Focuses on obstruction and slowing down the advancement towards a goal.

hinder advancement

Similar to impeding progress, this points specifically to blocking or slowing advancement.

create an obstacle

Highlights the creation of a barrier that needs to be overcome to continue

be detrimental

Focuses on the harmful effect that the event or situation causes, suggesting lasting negative consequences.

undermine efforts

Highlights the weakening of actions taken, suggesting a subtle form of obstruction that reduces effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a setback" to describe an event or situation that delays progress or hinders an objective. For instance, "The funding cut will "be a setback" to our research project".

What are some synonyms for "be a setback"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "be a hindrance", "represent a step back", or "impede progress". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be a setback" formal or informal?

"Be a setback" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, business communications, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "be a setback" and "be a failure"?

"Be a setback" implies a temporary delay or hindrance, while "be a failure" indicates a complete lack of success. A setback can be overcome, but a failure suggests a more definitive end.