setbacks are to be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setbacks are to be expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that are anticipated in a process or project. Example: "When starting a new business, it's important to remember that setbacks are to be expected, so stay resilient and keep pushing forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Setbacks are to be expected and navigated.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He cautioned that should the talks in fact begin on Friday, some attendees may arrive days later, and that setbacks were to be expected.

Vice

Nothing has been simple about this traumatic season, so perhaps this latest setback was partly to be expected.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a setback, but kind of to be expected for a little bit," Coach Mike D'Antoni said, again urging patience.

The New York Times - Sports

EDF - the company behind Hinkley C - told the BBC this was always to be expected and it does not see it as a major setback.

BBC

If we really wish to go further than the boom-and-bust experience of the GMEP, we have to accept the uncomfortable truth that setbacks must be expected and stubbornly tackled as part of our long-term strategy.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The transition to an energy and materials production regime based on renewable resources can similarly be expected to be fraught with many setbacks and obstacles, technically and politically.

New Biotechnology

Now the Republicans, who were seriously embarrassed by their setbacks in November, are expected to mount an all-out challenge to win back the Legislature.

The New York Times

Other communities can also be expected to be emboldened by Wal-Mart's setback.

The New York Times

OAKLAND — Albert Pujols aggravated the left foot injury that has hobbled him all season on a ninth-inning, two-run single Friday night and returned to Southern California on Saturday to undergo an MRI test and be examined by a doctor, a setback that is expected to send the slugger to the disabled list.

Los Angeles Times

After a setback during rehabilitation, he is expected to miss the first two months of this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setbacks are to be expected" to prepare your audience for potential challenges in a project or plan. It sets a realistic tone and encourages resilience.

Common error

Don't use "setbacks are to be expected" as an excuse for lack of preparation or effort. It's a statement of realism, not a justification for passivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setbacks are to be expected" functions as a statement of realistic anticipation. It prepares individuals for potential difficulties and encourages resilience in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setbacks are to be expected" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to prepare your audience for potential difficulties in projects or plans. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is commonly used to communicate realistic expectations and to foster resilience in various contexts, including news, science, and business. Remember that while the phrase acknowledges the inevitability of challenges, it should not be used as an excuse for complacency or lack of preparation. Instead, use it to set a realistic tone and encourage perseverance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenges are anticipated

Focuses on challenges instead of setbacks, maintaining a similar level of expectation.

difficulties should be anticipated

Emphasizes the anticipation of problems with a more formal tone.

complications are inevitable

Emphasizes the certainty of complications, adding a tone of resignation.

problems are foreseen

Highlights the act of foreseeing issues, adding a predictive element.

it's natural to encounter obstacles

Highlights the natural occurrence of obstacles, softening the tone.

reverses should come as no surprise

Expresses that negative outcomes are not unexpected, implying preparation for them.

bumps in the road are likely

Uses a more informal, metaphorical expression for expected difficulties.

downturns are foreseeable

Specifically addresses economic or performance-related declines that can be anticipated.

one must anticipate occasional failures

Highlights the need to anticipate occasional failures.

expect some hiccups

Employs a colloquial term for minor setbacks, reducing the sense of gravity.

FAQs

How can I use "setbacks are to be expected" in a sentence?

You can use "setbacks are to be expected" to prepare your audience for potential challenges in a project or plan. Example: "When implementing new policies, "setbacks are to be expected", but persistence is key".

What's a more formal way to say "setbacks are to be expected"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is "difficulties should be anticipated".

Are there any synonyms for "setbacks are to be expected"?

Yes, some synonyms include "challenges are anticipated", "problems are foreseen", or "bumps in the road are likely".

Is it correct to say "setbacks are to expect"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""setbacks are to be expected"". The inclusion of "be" is necessary for grammatical correctness.