set back slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set back slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is positioned a little further back than usual or intended. Example: "The painting was set back slightly from the edge of the wall to create a more balanced appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We stopped in front of a white house set back slightly from the street.

The New Yorker

Pitstop Set back slightly from the actual beach, Can Masia is a welcome alternative to the sandy dancefloors of the identikit beach bars at nearby Ses Salines beach.

The Guardian - Travel

The game-week pattern was set back slightly as players were told to stay away from the facility Monday — although some players, Manning included, showed up to retrieve their laptops — but they were back for workouts and treatment Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

It was constructed of far less interesting cast stone, and the upper three stories were set back slightly to accommodate strange, urn-topped columns that projected above the roof line.

The New York Times

The new gates will be set back slightly to give aesthetic priority to the existing gates and walls, Bettar said.

Los Angeles Times

The front of the school is clad in two hardwoods, machiche and garapa, and crowned by three gabled forms set back slightly from the front doors.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It stands close to the wooden O, slightly downstream and slightly set back from the Thames waterfront.

The Guardian - Arts

If you want wider treads - say 12 inches deep - then all you have to do is lay each succeeding row of blocks slightly set back or behind the row just below it.

The New York Times

One part of the plan developed at the meeting is to include two boardwalks — one for the fishermen close to the water, and another slightly set back where visitors can stroll without tripping over fishing gear, Mr. Flotteron said.

The New York Times

The mid-range, where vocals mostly are, seemed slightly set back, but only because there seemed to be a bit of a boost in the low treble.

Forbes

Chapter 3: The Pakistan connection The office is grey and slightly run-down, set back off a busy thoroughfare on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, the seething city in the centre of Pakistan's northern plains.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural features or spatial arrangements, use "set back slightly" to convey a subtle recession or positioning behind a primary element. For example, "The entrance was set back slightly from the main facade."

Common error

Avoid using "set back slightly" in contexts where a more precise term for delay or hindrance would be appropriate. For instance, instead of "The project was set back slightly by the storm", consider "The project was delayed slightly by the storm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set back slightly" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe a minor delay, a spatial displacement, or a setback in progress. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set back slightly" is a versatile expression used to describe minor delays, spatial arrangements, or setbacks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency is uncommon, with primary usage in news and media contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to describe subtle positional changes or minor delays, avoiding overuse in contexts requiring more precise language. Alternatives such as "recessed a little" or "delayed marginally" can provide greater specificity depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

placed a little further back

Directly describes the placement of an object being slightly further from the front.

moved back a touch

Emphasizes the act of physically moving something to a position that is slightly further back.

pushed back a bit

Focuses on the action of pushing something backwards to a small extent.

set a hair back

Emphasizes the very small amount of distance something is set back.

recessed a little

Focuses specifically on physical positioning, emphasizing the indentation or setting back of an object.

offset slightly

Suggests a small displacement or deviation from a standard position.

marginally indented

Specifically describes a slight indentation or setting in from a surface.

delayed marginally

Shifts the focus to time, indicating a slight postponement rather than spatial arrangement.

postponed briefly

Similar to "delayed marginally", this emphasizes a short delay.

retarded slightly

Implies a slowing down or hindrance, which can be related to the idea of being "set back".

FAQs

How can I use "set back slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "set back slightly" to describe the position of something, like "The house was "set back slightly" from the road", or to indicate a minor delay, such as "The schedule was "set back slightly" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What's a good alternative to "set back slightly" when referring to a physical position?

If you're describing a physical position, alternatives include "recessed slightly", "offset slightly", or "placed a little further back".

When is it appropriate to use "set back slightly" instead of "delayed"?

Use "set back slightly" when you want to emphasize a minor positional change or a small, almost imperceptible delay. "Delayed" is more general and suitable for any kind of postponement.

Is there a difference between "set back slightly" and "slightly set back"?

Yes, "set back slightly" is a verb phrase, while "slightly set back" is an adjective phrase. For example, "The project was set back slightly" (verb) vs "The slightly set back building" (adjective).