regular setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regular setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe frequent or recurring difficulties or challenges that one encounters in a particular situation or process. Example: "Despite the regular setbacks in the project timeline, the team remained committed to meeting their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, this work has faced regular setbacks.

Independent

He is adamant he feels fine physically and the mental problems that might be associated with such regular setbacks are lacking as well.

Independent

"Getting sober" is not a moment after which everything gets better but an ongoing and slow process of rebuilding with regular setbacks, wobbles and temptations.

The Guardian - Books

There have been times, of course, when the Brazil part of the sobriquet did not seem sarcastic, such as in the 1924-25 season, when the club finished fifth in the top flight, scoring the same number of goals as champions Rangers and delighting with a carefree attacking verve that brought enchanting highs and, naturally, regular setbacks.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Like the Lakers, the other championship basketball team in town, the Sparks have again overcome regular-season setbacks to exhibit their most proficient basketball at the perfect time.

The New York Times - Sports

From Fig. 3, the difference between axial force distribution along the storey height of regular and setback buildings on plain ground is observed.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Mulder Is a Keeper The disturbing news for the Oakland Athletics on Friday was that Mark Mulder has a stress fracture in his right hip and will most likely miss at least the rest of the regular season, a serious setback to a team that wins because of excellent pitching.

The New York Times - Sports

The bare frame models of three different configurations, such as regular configuration on plain ground, setback configuration on plain ground and setback configuration on sloping ground are compared to study the basic difference between these structures.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Two families of regular and vertically irregular (with setbacks) frames are examined.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

To explore the different responses of setback building and regular building, fundamental bare frame models of these buildings are analysed.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Or at least it is a dream right now, with the regular season, and all the unforeseen setbacks it will inevitably bring, still weeks away.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management or personal development, use "regular setbacks" to acknowledge that progress isn't always linear. Be prepared to explain how these setbacks are being addressed.

Common error

Avoid framing "regular setbacks" as insurmountable obstacles. Instead, emphasize learning and adaptation in the face of these recurring challenges. Highlight resilience and strategies for overcoming them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regular setbacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes recurring impediments or obstacles in a process or situation. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns, like "mental problems", emphasizing frequency.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "regular setbacks" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, indicating that difficulties are a recurring part of a process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and science. Ludwig AI confirms that it is perfectly acceptable in written English to describe frequent or recurring difficulties. While "regular setbacks" acknowledges these challenges, it also implies the potential for resilience and adaptation, highlighting the importance of learning from and overcoming these recurring obstacles. Remember to distinguish between "regular setbacks" and permanent failures to maintain a constructive perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeated difficulties

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the problematic situations, making it very similar to "regular setbacks".

frequent impediments

Replaces "setbacks" with a more formal term, emphasizing the obstructive nature of the recurring issues.

recurring obstacles

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the barriers encountered, highlighting their cyclical appearance.

consistent challenges

Highlights the ongoing and persistent difficulty, portraying a continuous state of being tested.

periodic disruptions

Focuses on the interruptions and disturbances that occur at intervals, rather than simply hindrances.

usual complications

Indicates that these issues are typical and expected, fitting within the normal course of events.

common stumbling blocks

Uses an idiomatic expression to refer to the frequently encountered difficulties that impede progress.

habitual regressions

Highlights the tendency to revert to a previous state or condition, with a sense of established pattern.

routine failures

Emphasizes that these failures are part of the normal process or procedure, making them expected.

chronic reversals

Suggests a persistent and long-lasting pattern of negative changes or failures.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "regular setbacks" in a sentence?

Use "regular setbacks" to acknowledge recurring difficulties without portraying them as insurmountable. For example, "Despite the "regular setbacks", the project team remained optimistic".

What are some alternative phrases for "regular setbacks"?

You can use alternatives like "frequent impediments", "recurring obstacles", or "consistent challenges" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "regular setbacks"?

"Regular setbacks" is appropriate in contexts where acknowledging recurring difficulties is necessary, such as project management, personal development, or scientific research.

What does "regular setbacks" imply about the situation?

It implies that difficulties are expected and recurring, but not necessarily permanent or insurmountable. It encourages a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges.