it was a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or situation that caused a delay or hindrance in progress or success. Example: "After months of hard work, the unexpected funding cuts meant it was a setback for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Philip Hammond, the chancellor, said that the deal showed that Britain "has lost none of its allure to international investors", but industry leaders warned it was a setback for the country.

The Guardian

Starlee Kine of New York wrote that it was "just one huge whirlpool of pointless drama, pulling everything in its path under with it", while Entertainment Weekly writer Darren Franich thought that it was a setback from the previous episode.

Wikipedia

It was a setback from which the Tigers never recovered.

The New York Times - Sports

It was "a setback," a senior law enforcement official said.

The New York Times

It was a setback, but hardly a fatal one.

The New York Times

If it was a setback, it was only momentary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is a setback.

The Guardian - Tech

But for others, it is a setback.

The New York Times - Science

"It's a setback," Coach Chan Gailey said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a setback," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

No, I'm not saying it's a setback.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "it was a setback" with an explanation of the actions taken to overcome the difficulty. This provides context and shows resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a setback" for catastrophic or irreversible events. Reserve it for situations where recovery and progress are still possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a setback" functions as a declarative statement, identifying a past event or situation as a temporary impediment or reversal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As seen in examples from Ludwig, the phrase frequently introduces a discussion of the impact and subsequent actions taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

4%

Science & Research

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a setback" is a commonly used phrase to describe a temporary negative event or hindrance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across numerous contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is best used to describe situations that are recoverable, and it should be followed by context or explanation, as seen in Ludwig's examples. Alternatives include "it was a disappointment" or "it was a hindrance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of unmet expectations rather than a hindrance to progress.

it was a hindrance

Focuses on the obstruction or impediment caused by the event.

it was a reverse

Highlights the change in direction or fortune.

it was an obstacle

Stresses the challenge or barrier created.

it was a reversal of fortune

Indicates a change from good luck to bad luck or vice versa.

it was a temporary regression

Highlights the temporary nature of the setback.

it was a complication

Focuses on the added difficulty or complexity introduced.

it was a temporary check

Focuses on the aspect that the negative event caused a stop.

it was a hitch

Suggests a minor problem or delay.

it was a stumble

Suggests a loss of balance or a temporary failure.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was a setback"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a disappointment", "it was a hindrance", or "it was a reverse" depending on the context.

How to use "it was a setback" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a setback" to describe an event or situation that caused a delay or hindrance in progress or success. For example, "After months of hard work, the unexpected funding cuts meant it was a setback for the project."

Which is correct, "it was a setback" or "that was a setback"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "It was a setback" is generally used when referring to a specific event. "That was a setback" might be used when referring back to something previously mentioned or understood.

What's the difference between "it was a setback" and "it was a failure"?

"It was a setback" implies a temporary delay or hindrance, while "it was a failure" suggests a complete lack of success. A setback is recoverable; a failure may not be.