creating a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creating a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an action or event that causes a delay or hindrance to progress or success. Example: "The unexpected storm is creating a setback in our construction schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While this was not problematic in our Latin American work, a communications breakdown occurred in the South African work, creating a setback.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That will create a setback when there is a reaction against them.

The New York Times

The legal step creates a new setback for Mr. Chirac, who has been linked to other investigations connected with his 18 years as mayor.

The New York Times

Population explosion has created a grave setback in the economic growth and all-round human development in developing countries.

BioMed Research International

Al-Qaeda has compensated for its strategic setback in Iraq by creating a sanctuary in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

The Economist

In a serious setback to plans for creating a missile defense system to protect the United States, a missile fired from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific failed to hit a mock warhead fired earlier from a California air base thousands of miles away, the Pentagon announced tonight.

The New York Times

A strong vision, with an unshakable belief in what you are doing, is the only way of overcoming the many setbacks and frustrations of creating a school.

The Guardian

Experiencing the career setback created a domino effect of other problems.

Huffington Post

The resulting devastation would create a major public relations setback to terrorists.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It included 75 Livingston Street, saying that its setbacks created "a very original and attractive effect".

The New York Times

Rows of overlapping glass panels create a faceted podium for the setbacks and the sheer towers that rise above them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creating a setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hindered or delayed. Specify the area affected by the setback to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "creating a setback" without clearly identifying the cause of the setback. Without a clear cause, the phrase can lack impact and leave the reader wondering what specifically is responsible for the negative outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating a setback" functions as a verb phrase describing the act of causing a delay or impediment. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English when discussing actions that negatively impact progress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "creating a setback" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of causing a delay or impediment. Ludwig's analysis of various sources confirms that the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly identify the cause and the affected area to ensure clarity and impact. While "creating a setback" is an effective way to communicate hindrance, alternatives such as "causing a delay" or "generating a hindrance" may offer a more precise nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causing a delay

Focuses specifically on the aspect of delaying progress.

generating a hindrance

Emphasizes the creation of an obstacle or impediment.

prompting a regression

Highlights a return to a previous, less developed state.

inducing a reverse

Suggests a move backwards or in the opposite direction.

precipitating a hitch

Implies a sudden, unexpected problem or difficulty.

fostering an impediment

Indicates the nurturing or encouragement of an obstacle.

sparking a frustration

Focuses on initiating a feeling of dissatisfaction and difficulty.

originating a complication

Highlights the start of a complex or difficult situation.

incurring an obstruction

Emphasizes the action of bringing about an obstacle.

initiating a stumble

Suggests the beginning of a mistake or loss of balance.

FAQs

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

You can use "creating a setback" to describe an action or event that hinders progress. For example, "The budget cuts are "creating a setback" in our research efforts".

What are some alternatives to "creating a setback"?

Alternatives include phrases like "causing a delay", "generating a hindrance", or "prompting a regression", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "creating a setback" or "causing a setback"?

Both "creating a setback" and "causing a setback" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Creating" emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence, while "causing" emphasizes the direct impact of an action.

What's the difference between "setback" and "obstacle"?

A "setback" implies a temporary delay or reversal in progress, while an "obstacle" represents something that blocks progress entirely. "Creating a setback" suggests a temporary impediment, while "creating an obstacle" implies a more significant barrier.