he suffered a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he suffered a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone experiences a failure or obstacle that hinders their progress. Example: "After months of hard work, he suffered a setback when the project was unexpectedly delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But he suffered a setback a year later when the U.S.O.C. decided not to pursue the 2008 Games, which went to Beijing.

The New York Times

He suffered a setback that prolonged his hospital stay and left him frightened and depressed.

The New York Times

Each time Reyes told trainers he was ready to return, he suffered a setback.

The New York Times - Sports

But in 1992 he suffered a setback from which he never fully recovered.

The New York Times - Arts

At one point he suffered a setback at work and I worried that he was headed for a major depression.

The New York Times

Although he suffered a setback, an infection in an incision in his chest, he has recovered and is feeling well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He will miss eight games, including the Champions League tie with Celtic, unless he suffers a setback.

BBC

However he is aware he must not push himself too hard in pre-season training in case he suffers a setback in his recovery.

BBC

Then in 2003, she suffered a setback.

The New York Times

He also suffered a setback three years ago when he tried to bypass local planners, with whom he often feuded, and asked the voters to let him construct a bigger hotel than the city wanted.

Los Angeles Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he suffered a setback", ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature and extent of the setback. Provide enough detail to understand the impact on the person or situation being described.

Common error

Avoid using "he suffered a setback" as a vague or generic statement. Always clarify what caused the setback and its consequences to provide a clear and informative message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he suffered a setback" functions as a declarative statement indicating that someone has experienced a temporary hindrance or reversal in their progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is used to describe an event that has negatively impacted someone's advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he suffered a setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where someone experiences a temporary reversal or obstacle in their progress. Ludwig AI indicates that it is usable in English writing. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in more informal writing. While grammatically sound, it's best practice to provide specifics about the nature and consequences of the setback. Alternatives like "he experienced a reversal" or "he encountered a difficulty" can be used depending on the context, but the original phrase remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he experienced a reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or fortune, rather than a specific obstacle.

he encountered a difficulty

Highlights the challenge faced, without emphasizing failure.

he faced an obstacle

Emphasizes the impeding factor, less on the negative outcome.

he had a step back

Uses "step back" in place of setback, which can be more common in certain contexts.

he met with a hitch

Suggests a temporary disruption or problem.

he had a relapse

Implies a return to a previous, less desirable state, often related to health or recovery.

he went backwards

Simple and direct, indicating a loss of progress.

he was thwarted

Highlights the prevention of success by an external force.

he was unsuccessful

Focuses on the lack of desired outcome.

he faltered

Implies a loss of momentum or strength.

FAQs

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

Use "he suffered a setback" to describe a situation where someone experienced a temporary failure or reversal in their progress. For instance, "After months of training, he suffered a setback when he injured his knee".

What are some alternatives to "he suffered a setback"?

You can use alternatives like "he experienced a reversal", "he encountered a difficulty", or "he faced an obstacle" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "he had a setback" instead of "he suffered a setback"?

Yes, "he had a setback" is a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative to "he suffered a setback". Both phrases convey the same meaning of experiencing a hindrance or reversal.

What's the difference between "he suffered a setback" and "he failed"?

"He suffered a setback" implies a temporary halt or reversal in progress, whereas "he failed" suggests a complete lack of success in achieving a goal. A setback is often a temporary obstacle, while failure is a final outcome.