big setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success in a situation. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a big setback for the project, delaying its completion by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a big setback.

The Guardian

Well, folks, a big setback for NASA.

The New York Times

The Pemex fiasco is a big setback.

The Economist

"Obviously, this is a big setback.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it a big setback?

The Guardian

"This was a big setback.

The New York Times - Sports

"Personally, it's a big setback".

The Guardian - Sport

December's airport bombing was a big setback for him.

The Economist

The loss of Pechiney is a big setback for Alcan.

The New York Times

Mr. DeChristopher said, "It's a big setback for us, obviously".

The New York Times

When Jean got injured it was a big setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big setback", consider the specific context and choose synonyms or related phrases to add nuance or emphasis. For example, in formal reports, "significant setback" may be more appropriate than "tough break".

Common error

Avoid using "big setback" when the situation is only a minor inconvenience. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the significance of the obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big setback" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a situation or event that negatively impacts progress or success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big setback" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a significant hindrance or reversal. While versatile, its formality is neutral, making alternatives like "significant setback" more suitable for professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and broad applicability, as seen in numerous examples from reputable news sources. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the obstacle being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major setback

Emphasizes the importance or scale of the setback.

significant setback

Highlights the noteworthiness of the setback.

serious impediment

Focuses on the hindering nature of the setback.

major obstacle

Highlights the obstructive nature of the setback.

considerable reverse

Emphasizes the backward movement or reversal caused by the setback.

substantial reverse

Indicates a significant degree of regression.

grave misfortune

Highlights the unfortunate and serious nature of the event.

tough break

Offers a more informal way to describe an unlucky setback.

unfortunate turn of events

Focuses on the unexpected and negative change in circumstances.

heavy blow

Conveys the impact and force of the setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "big setback" to describe a significant obstacle or reversal in progress. For example, "The project faced a "big setback" when funding was unexpectedly cut."

What are some alternatives to saying "big setback"?

Alternatives include "major setback", "significant setback", or "serious impediment", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "big setback" in formal writing?

While "big setback" is understandable, more formal alternatives such as "significant setback" or "considerable reverse" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What distinguishes "big setback" from "minor inconvenience"?

"Big setback" implies a substantial hindrance with potentially long-term consequences, while "minor inconvenience" refers to a small, easily managed issue that does not significantly impact progress.