Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
has not set back
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "has not set back" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something has not been delayed or hindered, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The project has not set back our timeline, and we are still on track for completion."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Academia
Wiki
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
"It has not set back the investigation," said Chief Charles A. Moose of the Montgomery County police, the head of the regional manhunt.
News & Media
In that interview, Secretary Powell said the president "has not set back one foot" from the vision he laid out for a Palestinian state in a speech to the United Nations last fall.
News & Media
The dismay has not set back their leading candidate, however.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Meeting in Jerusalem with Mitt Romney, he said the sanctions had not set back Iran's nuclear program "one iota".
News & Media
We have to be honest and say that all the sanctions and diplomacy so far have not set back the Iranian program by one iota".
News & Media
One senior administration official, calling reporters from Baghdad, said that both the abuse of prisoners and the escalating violence had not set back plans to form a transitional government that would take power on June 30.
News & Media
"We have to be honest and say that all the sanctions and diplomacy so far have not set back the Iranian program by one iota," the prime minister said.
News & Media
His influence over the Legislature in light of his possible future campaigns remains an unknown factor as the session gets under way, but many believe his stumble on the national stage has not set him back in his home state.
News & Media
I was born here, to credentialed anti-Communist parents; my father was a pilot who flew missions into the Congo for the C.I.A. to root out leftist insurgents in the '60's; my mother has not set foot back on Cuban soil since 1961, when she and my siblings left Havana.
News & Media
Which has not set.
News & Media
I am an Iranian by birth whose family fled Iran 30 years ago as a result of the 1979 revolution and have not set foot back in Iran due to the political situation which makes it impossible to do so for me and my family.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Replace "has not set back" with clearer alternatives like "has not delayed" or "has not hindered" for better readability.
Common error
Avoid using "has not set back" as it is not standard English. Opt for more direct and easily understood phrases to ensure clarity in your writing.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "has not set back" functions as a verb phrase attempting to negate the action of causing a delay or regression. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrasing is considered non-standard and awkward, making it less effective in conveying its intended meaning.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Academia
22%
Wiki
11%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "has not set back" attempts to express that something hasn't caused a delay or regression. However, Ludwig AI identifies this phrasing as non-standard and awkward. While examples exist in news and media and some academic contexts, it's better to opt for clearer alternatives such as "has not delayed" or "has not hindered". The frequency of this phrase is rare, and it's generally advisable to use more direct and widely accepted phrasing for improved clarity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
has not hindered
This alternative replaces "set back" with "hindered", focusing on the lack of obstruction or impediment.
has not delayed
This alternative uses "delayed" instead of "set back", emphasizing the absence of postponement or slowing down.
has not impeded
Swaps "set back" with "impeded", highlighting the absence of hindrance or obstruction to progress.
has not reversed
Focuses on the lack of backward movement or cancellation of progress.
has not undermined
Changes the focus to the lack of weakening or diminishing of something.
has not compromised
This alternative indicates that something has not been negatively affected or weakened.
has not thwarted
Emphasizes the lack of prevention or obstruction of something.
has not regressed
Focuses on the absence of a return to a previous, less developed state.
has not deteriorated
Highlights that something has not worsened or declined in quality.
has not stalled
Indicates the lack of a standstill or cessation of progress.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "has not set back"?
You can use alternatives like "has not delayed", "has not hindered", or "has not impeded" depending on the context.
Is "has not set back" grammatically correct?
While understandable, "has not set back" is not considered standard English. It's better to use more common and grammatically sound alternatives.
How can I use "has not delayed" instead of "has not set back"?
Use "has not delayed" when you want to express that something has not caused a postponement or slowing down of progress. For example, "The change in plans "has not delayed" the project's completion."
What's the difference between "has not hindered" and "has not set back"?
"Has not hindered" means that something has not obstructed or impeded progress, while "has not set back" implies that something has not caused a delay or regression. "Has not hindered" is generally a clearer and more accepted phrase.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested