despite this setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite this setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being accomplished or continued in spite of a difficulty or obstacle that has occurred. Example: "Despite this setback, the team remained committed to completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite this setback, Goddard did not lack for work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite this setback, the railroad is not giving up.

The New York Times

Despite this setback, oil optimists, like Goldman's analysts, have recovered something of their former swagger.

The New York Times

Despite this setback there will be no room for navel gazing.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite this setback, the process of constructing Kim Jong-un's childhood hagiography continues.

The Guardian

Despite this setback, Mr Koskov nearly succeeded in saving his skin with the unwitting help of James Bond.

The Economist

Despite this setback, Icahn did not relax; he began a corporate takeover battle against a giant South Korean tobacco company.

The New Yorker

"Despite this setback, we hope Secretary Norton will continue to assist the parties in reaching a long-term solution".

The New York Times

The clear message from Mr. Stossel: despite this setback, he intends to continue his brand of journalism.

The New York Times

Despite this setback, the following year he was brought in to run the Scotsman Hotels group by its owners, and was subsequently credited with turning the group round.

Independent

Despite this setback, Damian's efforts in support of the reforming papacy were rewarded by Pope Stephen IX, who appointed him the cardinal-bishop of Ostia in 1057.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite this setback", ensure the following clause demonstrates a contrasting outcome or action, showcasing the perseverance in the face of adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "despite this setback" when the following clause describes a negative outcome directly caused by the setback. The phrase is used to highlight resilience, not to introduce a predictable consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite this setback" functions as an adversative conjunction phrase. It introduces a clause that presents a contrast to a previous statement about a difficulty or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite this setback" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adversative conjunction phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it is primarily used to highlight resilience and continued progress in the face of obstacles, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki contexts. It's crucial to use it when the following clause presents a contrasting outcome, not a direct consequence of the setback itself. Alternatives like "in spite of this impediment" or "regardless of this challenge" can be used for variety, but "despite this setback" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notwithstanding this obstacle

Replaces "despite" with "notwithstanding" and "setback" with "obstacle", maintaining a formal tone.

even with this difficulty

Substitutes "setback" with the more general term "difficulty", offering a simpler alternative.

in spite of this impediment

Replaces "despite" with "in spite of" and "setback" with "impediment", slightly increasing formality.

regardless of this challenge

Uses "regardless of" instead of "despite" and "challenge" for "setback", emphasizing a determined attitude.

even after this reverse

Employs "even after" to highlight the temporal aspect and replaces "setback" with "reverse", indicating a change in direction.

yet, this problem notwithstanding

Inverts the structure for emphasis, using "yet" to introduce the main clause and "notwithstanding" to acknowledge the problem.

this hitch notwithstanding

Substitutes "setback" with the more informal term "hitch", making it suitable for less formal contexts.

this snag notwithstanding

Replaces setback with the even more informal "snag", implying a minor issue.

although this stumbling block occurred

Rephrases the sentence to explicitly acknowledge the occurrence of a "stumbling block", using "although" to introduce the concession.

taking this bump in stride

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey resilience, implying a smooth recovery from a minor setback.

FAQs

How can I use "despite this setback" in a sentence?

Use "despite this setback" to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previously mentioned obstacle. For example, "Despite this setback, the team continued to work tirelessly."

What are some alternatives to "despite this setback"?

You can use alternatives like "in spite of this impediment", "regardless of this challenge", or "even with this difficulty" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in spite of this setback" instead of "despite this setback"?

Yes, "in spite of this setback" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "despite this setback" and carries the same meaning.

What's the difference between "despite this setback" and "because of this setback"?

"Despite this setback" indicates that something positive or continued effort occurred in spite of the obstacle. "Because of this setback" indicates that the obstacle caused a negative consequence or change in plans.