expectations set back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expectations set back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how certain events or circumstances have caused a delay or reduction in anticipated outcomes or goals. Example: "Due to the unforeseen circumstances, our expectations set back significantly, impacting the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Though our demographics and attitudes continue to change, Hollywood's definition of great drama has remained stubbornly attached to standards and expectations set back when men were men (if they were white) and everyone else needed to just shut up and listen".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Expectations grew that the fighting in Libya could last longer than expected, setting back hope for a recovery of oil output there.

The New York Times

Only later, with lots of life under my belt, did I realize how deeply my belief in myself had been set back by an expectation that wasn't even my own.

Huffington Post

The building is set back a few feet from the property line, and the two bays are unusually expressive in a period of pared-down expectations.

The New York Times

Expect set-backs.

WikiHow

He couldn't meet the expectations of the public or the expectations he set for himself.

The New York Times

"Expectations are set here, externally and internally.

The New York Times

"It certainly set me back".

The New York Times - Sports

It set him back £20m.

BBC

Establish realistic expectations and set appropriate goals.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

That is called trying to set expectations about expectations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expectations set back" when referring to a temporary or partial failure to meet anticipated goals, rather than a complete failure or cancellation.

Common error

Avoid using "expectations set back" when the expectation has been completely abandoned. Instead, consider terms like "expectations abandoned" or "plans cancelled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expectations set back" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has caused a reduction or delay in what was anticipated or hoped for. Ludwig confirms its usability in describing hindered progress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expectations set back" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe situations where anticipated outcomes have been delayed or reduced due to unforeseen circumstances. While Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity, it's important to differentiate its meaning from complete failure. As seen in the examples, the term sees use in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, consider alternative phrases such as "expectations delayed" or "hopes dashed" for nuanced expressions. Overall, "expectations set back" serves as a concise way to convey a sense of disappointment in progress, but it's important to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of impact on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expectations delayed

Focuses on the postponement of expectations rather than a complete reduction or hindrance.

expectations hindered

Emphasizes obstruction and impediment of expectations.

hopes dashed

Emphasizes a negative outcome for hopes or expectations.

plans derailed

Focuses on a complete disruption of plans, which are closely related to expectations.

progress stalled

Highlights the halting of progress toward expected outcomes.

ambitions thwarted

Emphasizes the frustration of ambitions and goals.

dreams deferred

Focuses on the postponement of dreams and aspirations.

setbacks experienced

Highlights the experience of obstacles and hindrances.

aspirations diminished

Indicates a reduction in the intensity of aspirations.

anticipated outcomes reduced

Focuses on the reduction of expected results.

FAQs

How can I use "expectations set back" in a sentence?

You can use "expectations set back" to describe a situation where progress towards a goal has been delayed or hindered. For instance, "The project's timeline was significantly impacted when our "expectations set back" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a good alternative to "expectations set back"?

Alternatives include phrases like "expectations delayed", "expectations hindered", or "hopes dashed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "expectations set back"?

Yes, "expectations set back" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that expectations have been negatively impacted or delayed.

What does "expectations set back" imply about the situation?

Using the phrase "expectations set back" implies that there was an initial expectation that was not fully met due to some obstacle or setback. It doesn't necessarily indicate a complete failure, but rather a delay or reduction in anticipated outcomes.