has been set back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been set back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been delayed or postponed, often due to unforeseen circumstances. Example: "The project has been set back due to funding issues, and we will need to adjust our timeline accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But the cause has been set back.

The Guardian

Free speech has been set back, and a chill sent throughout Palestinian society.

The New York Times

"Now, the clock has been set back to zero," he said, with a scoffing laugh.

The New York Times

Now, the full implementation here has been set back to between 2025 and 2028.

The Washington Post

But already in New York this fall, American art has been set back 40 years.

The New York Times - Arts

In human development terms the region has been set back 20 years, according to the UN.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"And now we have been set back many miles".

The New York Times

In 1978 it went into liquidation.Others might have been set back, but not Mr Oakeshott.

The Economist

In some ways, the female refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey have been set back.

Independent

Mr Carney conceded that Britain's economy had been set back by the eurozone crisis.

Independent

It was as if the clock had been set back to the early days of occupation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been set back", clearly identify the cause of the delay or reversal to provide context for the situation.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent of the setback. Ensure your description accurately reflects the actual impact, rather than overstating the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been set back" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has experienced a delay or reversal in progress. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been set back" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a delay or reversal in progress. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently employed in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and scientific publications. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and, according to Ludwig AI, is suitable for use across a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly explain the cause of the setback to give the statement greater context and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has suffered a setback

Highlights the negative impact on advancement.

has been delayed

Replaces "set back" with a more general term for postponement.

has been pushed back

Suggests a forced or pressured delay.

has been hindered

Emphasizes the obstruction or impediment to progress.

has been impeded

Similar to "hindered", but often implies a more formal or systematic obstruction.

has been reversed

Focuses on the undoing of previous progress.

has been thrown off course

Implies a deviation from the planned path.

has been stalled

Indicates a complete halt in progress.

has lost ground

Emphasizes the loss of progress relative to a goal or competitor.

has regressed

Suggests a return to a previous, less advanced state.

FAQs

How to use "has been set back" in a sentence?

Use "has been set back" to indicate that something has been delayed or its progress reversed. For example: "The project "has been set back" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What can I say instead of "has been set back"?

You can use alternatives like "has been delayed", "has suffered a setback", or "has been hindered" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had been set back" instead of "has been set back"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Has been set back" refers to something that was set back in the past and continues to have present relevance. "Had been set back" refers to something that was set back at a point in the past, relative to another past event.

What's the difference between "has been delayed" and ""has been set back""?

"Has been delayed" simply means something is postponed. "Has been set back" often implies that progress was made, but then something caused a reversal or delay, meaning progress has not only stopped, but previous advancement is lost.