slight setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe minor difficulties or obstacles that may occur in a process or project. Example: "Despite experiencing some slight setbacks during the project, we were still able to meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Despite these slight setbacks, Tree Thinking does an admirable job describing the important parts of phylogenetic biology as well as the educational philosophy behind their framework.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The slight setbacks for both players are unlikely to sway their agent, Scott Boras, to pursue a team-friendly contract.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He had a slight little setback but we checked by scan and there is nothing wrong.

Independent

" The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Zacinto has been ruled out of the 2,000 Guineas after suffering a slight setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Annie Power will go straight to Cheltenham after a slight setback.

The Guardian - Sport

But his reputation for wringing maximum tension out of a negotiation suffered a slight setback last week.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately Theo had a slight setback in training, and that's the major concern with him," said Roy Hodgson.

The Guardian - Sport

Hiddink will be relieved that a slight setback in Hatem Ben Arfa's recovery from a long-term hamstring injury means he will not be involved.

The Guardian - Sport

She did have a slight setback but I have been riding her in her work and I was happy she would run a good race".

The Guardian - Sport

But the first warning signs came when it was announced that he would miss the following month's Tripleprint Gold Cup back at Cheltenham after "a slight setback".

The Guardian - Sport

AN utterly urban campus, Hunter had only a slight setback along the Park Avenue and 69th Street facades, and a small plaza on the 68th Street side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight setbacks", ensure the context clarifies the nature and scope of the difficulties. This helps prevent misinterpretations or exaggerations of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "slight setbacks" to describe major problems. Overstating the impact can undermine credibility and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight setbacks" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and categorize minor impediments or delays. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight setbacks" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe minor difficulties or delays. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure that you accurately reflect the scale of the issues and avoid overstating their impact. Consider alternatives like "minor difficulties" or "modest delays" for variety. Be mindful of context, and tailor your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor difficulties

Replaces "setbacks" with a more general term for problems.

small impediments

Substitutes both "slight" and "setbacks" with synonyms, emphasizing minor obstructions.

modest delays

Focuses on the temporal aspect of setbacks, highlighting small postponements.

minor hitches

Replaces "setbacks" with a more informal term for temporary disruptions.

small complications

Emphasizes the complexity aspect of setbacks, suggesting minor entanglements.

limited regressions

Highlights backward steps that are not significant.

marginal downsides

Focuses on the negative aspect of setbacks, portraying them as minimal disadvantages.

trivial reverses

Uses "reverses" as a synonym for setbacks, emphasizing their insignificance.

short-term hindrances

Highlights the temporary nature of the impediments.

fleeting snags

Emphasizes the transient and minor nature of the obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "slight setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "slight setbacks" to describe minor delays or difficulties encountered during a project or process. For example, "Despite some "slight setbacks", the team managed to complete the project on time."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "slight setbacks"?

Alternatives include "minor difficulties", "small impediments", or "modest delays" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight setbacks" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight setbacks" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe minor issues. However, ensure it accurately reflects the scale of the problems encountered.

What's the difference between "slight setbacks" and "major setbacks"?

"Slight setbacks" refer to small, easily overcome obstacles, while "major setbacks" indicate significant problems that can severely impact progress or outcomes.