encountering some setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountering some setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties faced during a process or project. Example: "Despite encountering some setbacks, the team remained committed to completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the company encountered some setbacks.

The New York Times

Although this approach has encountered some setbacks, several innovative compounds are currently in an advanced stage of development.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

On the economic front, the year did not go as smoothly for the country, as new government projects encountered some serious setbacks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Bezoses have made the donation as the gay rights movement is encountering both setbacks and achievements.

The New York Times

Yoga teaches the women to control their breathing, which calms the nervous system and in turn calms the mind – a valuable skill off the mat, when at the Home Office or encountering setbacks in their day-to-day lives.

The Guardian

Finally, to see whether the garden activities provided a venue for students to build their persistence and capacity to bounce back when encountering setbacks, students' science teachers reported on each student's capacity to re-engage in the face of day-to-day academic challenges.

International Journal of STEM Education

Obama is encountering major new setbacks in Afghanistan, America's biggest unilateral operation despite its NATO trappings.

HuffPost

And while 8 in 10 American doctors still labor in a world of paper, some doctors have encountered upsetting setbacks when they tried to switch to electronic records.

The New York Times

But Village Greens encountered construction setbacks and was a financial failure for the developer despite strong sales.

The New York Times

The current accord, struck in April 1998, has raised the greatest hope of a real resolution, but putting it into effect has encountered continual setbacks.

The New York Times

While most hard-working people are getting ahead, a small but not insignificant number will be left behind or will encounter tragic setbacks that leave them penniless and helpless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encountering some setbacks", consider the tone and context. It's suitable for formal reports, news articles, and general discussions about project progress or personal journeys. Be specific about the nature and impact of the setbacks to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who or what is "encountering" the setbacks. Instead of saying "Setbacks were encountered", specify who encountered them: "The team encountered some setbacks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountering some setbacks" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the experience of facing challenges or obstacles during a particular process or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encountering some setbacks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing the experience of facing difficulties. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from formal reports to news articles. To use it effectively, be specific about the nature of the setbacks and avoid passive voice constructions. Alternative phrases like "facing some difficulties" or "experiencing some challenges" can offer subtle shifts in tone. Understanding these nuances can help you communicate with precision and clarity. Ludwig AI ensures the correctness and provides helpful examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing some difficulties

Replaces "encountering" with a more direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

experiencing some challenges

Substitutes "setbacks" with "challenges", offering a slightly more positive framing.

running into obstacles

Uses a more metaphorical expression to describe the experience of facing difficulties.

having some problems

Offers a simpler and more direct way of expressing the occurrence of difficulties.

undergoing a few complications

Focuses on the complex nature of the difficulties experienced.

meeting with adversity

Presents a more formal and intense way of expressing the experience of facing difficulties.

being thwarted by obstacles

Highlights the sense of being blocked or prevented by difficulties.

suffering some reverses

Emphasizes the negative impact of the difficulties experienced.

hitting a few bumps in the road

Employs a more idiomatic and informal expression to describe encountering difficulties.

stumbling upon hindrances

Uses a slightly more archaic and literary way of expressing encountering difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "encountering some setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "encountering some setbacks" to describe challenges faced during a project, process, or personal journey. For example, "Despite "encountering some setbacks", the project team remained optimistic".

What are some alternative ways to say "encountering some setbacks"?

You can use alternatives like "facing some difficulties", "experiencing some challenges", or "running into obstacles" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "encountering some setbacks" or "experiencing some setbacks"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Encountering" suggests a more passive experience, while "experiencing" can imply a more active involvement with the setbacks.

What's the difference between "encountering setbacks" and "overcoming setbacks"?

"Encountering setbacks" simply means facing difficulties, while "overcoming setbacks" implies successfully resolving those difficulties. The latter suggests resilience and progress despite challenges.