cause a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event or action that delays progress or hinders success in a particular situation. Example: "The unexpected storm caused a setback in our construction schedule, pushing the completion date back by several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We're really concerned that Ebola will cause a setback to the efforts on malaria.

BBC

Second, this was due to a political compromise necessary for a coalition government to be formed, and it is yet to be seen whether a changing balance of power will cause a setback to the previous system or to a full endorsement.

Comparative Migration Studies

One of the rules of the site was that if you were going to list any graphic details of your rape, for example, it was important to write "TW" to alert readers that your post's content had the potential to trigger flashbacks and/or stir up intense emotions, which might, depending on the reader's state of mind, cause a setback in recovery.

Huffington Post

This could cause a setback in the genetic diversity gained for both equal contribution- as well as optimal contribution-schemes.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

If you overwhelm yourself, you're more likely to fail, and failure may cause a setback in your growth.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He insisted his comments had not caused a setback in Bradford.

The Guardian

In 2010, a sophisticated computer worm called Stuxnet destroyed Iranian nuclear centrifuges, causing a setback to the country's nuclear program.

Huffington Post

Though these turbulent events caused a setback to the Veerashaiva gatherings and creation of poems, the movement had set roots in the Kannada soil and regained popularity in the 15th century under the patronage of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Wikipedia

Ohio Right to Life, which has been the premier lobby, and the state Catholic conference have refused to support the measure, arguing that the court is not ready for such a radical step and that it could cause a legal setback.

The New York Times - Health

A delayed response from a service provider can cause a major setback for your business.

Huffington Post

Many fear that such losses could cause a major setback to any progress made so far.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project timelines or strategic planning, use "cause a setback" to describe factors that may delay completion or hinder objectives. For instance, "Unexpected budget cuts could cause a significant setback in our research efforts."

Common error

While "cause a setback" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using alternatives such as "delay things" or "slow us down" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a setback" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that an action or event results in a delay or regression in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause a setback" is a grammatically sound and generally acceptable verb phrase used to describe something that delays or hinders progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage is consistent across reputable sources. When writing, be mindful of the formality level, as it may sound too formal in casual conversations; consider alternatives such as "delay things" or "slow us down" in such cases. This phrase indicates that an action or event results in a delay or regression in progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set back efforts

This reflects causing delay or regress to some progress.

hinder progress

This alternative focuses on impeding forward movement, similar to causing a delay.

impede advancement

This option highlights obstructing the process of moving forward or improving.

delay development

This relates to slowing down the growth or evolution of something.

create an obstacle

This emphasizes introducing a barrier that obstructs progress.

hamper efforts

This focuses on restricting or frustrating attempts to achieve something.

derail the process

This describes stopping or interrupting the flow of a process.

disrupt the momentum

This highlights disturbing an impulse or progress.

stall advancement

This suggests slowing down progress or preventing it from continuing.

reverse progress

This relates to changing some progress to go backwards.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause a setback" to describe something that delays or hinders progress. For example, "The unexpected equipment failure caused a setback in our production schedule."

What are some alternatives to "cause a setback"?

Alternatives include "hinder progress", "impede advancement", or "delay development" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "caused a setback" or "cause a setback"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Caused a setback" is past tense, while "cause a setback" is present or future tense. For example, "The storm caused a setback" (past) versus "The new regulation may cause a setback" (future).

What's the difference between "cause a setback" and "set back efforts"?

"Cause a setback" is a more general phrase for delaying progress. "Set back efforts" specifically implies that previous work or attempts have been undone or slowed down.