has suffered a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has suffered a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has experienced a failure or obstacle that hinders progress. Example: "The project has suffered a setback due to unforeseen circumstances, delaying its completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But now Brazil's diplomacy has suffered a setback.

The Economist

Now that the good cop has suffered a setback, people are weighing their truncheons.

The Economist

At best, the close transatlantic trade relationship has suffered a setback.

The Economist

It was announced on Thursday that she has suffered a setback and is currently being treated for a poisoned foot.

The Guardian - Sport

The Vancouver Sun's Cam Cole reports that Manny Malhotra has suffered a setback in his comeback from an eye injury and is unlikely to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Watson has suffered a setback while recovering from the ankle injury that forced him to miss the recent one-day tri-series in Zimbabwe.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Christian Democrats had suffered a setback in Sicily at the hands of the leftist Popular Front.

The New Yorker

Manager Joe Girardi also played down the notion that Pettitte had suffered a setback.

The New York Times

It was not immediately clear whether Mueller had suffered a setback on Monday.

The Guardian

There was no doubt, however, that he had suffered a setback.

The New Yorker

There's no shame in seeking help when you've suffered a setback.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has suffered a setback", ensure the context clearly identifies what experienced the setback and what the setback entailed. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "has suffered a setback" is acceptable, overuse can lead to a passive writing style. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor causing the setback, e.g., "Poor management caused the project to suffer a setback."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has suffered a setback" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It typically describes a situation where an entity (person, project, organization, etc.) has experienced a negative event that impedes progress. The phrase is widely used as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has suffered a setback" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where something or someone has experienced a delay or impediment in their progress. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies what experienced the setback and what caused it to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""has experienced a reversal"" or ""has faced an obstacle"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overuse of the passive voice can be mitigated by rephrasing to highlight the actor responsible for the setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has experienced a reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or progress, emphasizing the negative turn.

has met with a hindrance

Highlights the obstacle encountered, suggesting an impediment to forward movement.

has encountered a snag

Implies a minor problem or unexpected difficulty that has caused a delay.

has faced an obstacle

Emphasizes the challenge or barrier that has been confronted.

has been impeded

Highlights the action of being slowed down or prevented from advancing.

has regressed

Suggests a return to a previous, less developed state after some progress.

has taken a backward step

Indicates a movement away from the desired outcome, implying a loss of ground.

has been thwarted

Focuses on the prevention of a plan or effort from succeeding.

has hit a roadblock

Suggests an insurmountable obstacle that halts progress completely.

has faltered

Implies a loss of momentum or strength, leading to a decline in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "has suffered a setback" in a sentence?

You can use "has suffered a setback" to describe a situation where something or someone has experienced a delay or obstacle in their progress. For example: "The company's expansion plans "has suffered a setback" due to the recent economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to saying "has suffered a setback"?

Alternatives include "has experienced a reversal", "has faced an obstacle", or "has been impeded", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to use "has suffered a setback" or "experienced a setback"?

Both "has suffered a setback" and "experienced a setback" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. The first emphasizes damage/impact while the second one is more neutral.

Which is correct: "the project suffered a setback" or "the project has suffered a setback"?

Both are correct, but they imply slightly different timeframes. "The project suffered a setback" suggests the setback occurred and concluded in the past, while "the project "has suffered a setback"" implies the setback has occurred and its effects may still be ongoing.