bit of a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor obstacle or delay in progress towards a goal or objective. Example: "We experienced a bit of a setback in our project timeline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

A month ago, Pettitte had a bit of a setback after rehabilitating too quickly, so he has been cautious since then.

The New York Times

"I feel that it's a bit of a setback for my son," says Renee Horsford.

Independent

The development was "a little bit of a setback, but nothing, nothing serious," Manager Lou Piniella said.

The New York Times - Sports

But I had a little bit of a setback with a broken collarbone, so I'm not sure when I am going to get this done.

The New York Times

Obviously her injury has been a bit of a setback but she is doing all the right things during her recovery.

Independent

We say, "Oh, she has taken it well" with admiration, meaning you can hardly tell she's just suffered a bit of a setback.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The HomePod had a bit of a notable production setback, back in December, but Apple's high-end smart speaker is still on track for an "early 2018" release.

TechCrunch

"After the setback of an early goal it was just having that little extra bit of a cutting edge in the box.

BBC

Asked how she coped with such setbacks, Ms. Raja Teh said: "You have to take everything with a bit of a sense of humor and not get terribly upset and appreciate that people do things differently in different places.

The New York Times

Bit of a scoop?

The New York Times

Bit of a maverick.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "bit of a setback" with a plan for recovery or mitigation to reassure stakeholders that the situation is under control.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of a setback" when describing a major crisis or critical failure; doing so can undermine the gravity of the situation and damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of a setback" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a minor obstacle or delay. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bit of a setback" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor difficulty or delay. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and avoid overstating or understating the problem. Related alternatives include "minor setback" and "small obstacle". Be mindful of the context to use it effectively. Using "bit of a setback" appropriately can soften the impact of bad news while maintaining transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor setback

Adds 'minor' for emphasis, underscoring the insignificance of the problem.

slight hitch

Replaces 'setback' with 'hitch', implying a temporary and minor problem.

small hiccup

Replaces 'setback' with 'hiccup', suggesting a brief and easily resolved issue.

small obstacle

Substitutes 'setback' with 'obstacle', focusing on the challenge aspect.

a slight problem

Simply replaces 'setback' with the more general 'problem', keeping the modifier 'slight'.

minor inconvenience

Focuses on the bothersome nature of the setback without implying a major issue.

small challenge

Emphasizes the aspect of overcoming a small difficulty.

temporary delay

Highlights the time aspect of the setback, indicating a pause in progress.

slight delay

A synonym of temporary delay but using the words "slight" and "delay".

temporary difficulty

Highlights the short-term and problematic aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "bit of a setback" in a sentence?

You can use "bit of a setback" to describe a minor obstacle or delay in progress. For example: "We experienced a "bit of a setback" in our project timeline due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "bit of a setback"?

You can use alternatives like "minor setback", "small obstacle", or "temporary delay" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bit of a setback" in a formal report?

Yes, "bit of a setback" is generally acceptable in formal reports, especially when you want to downplay the severity of a situation. However, consider alternatives like "minor challenge" or "slight impediment" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "bit of a setback" and "major setback"?

"Bit of a setback" implies a small, easily recoverable problem, while "major setback" indicates a significant obstacle that could seriously impact progress or outcomes. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the scale of the issue.