suffers a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

"suffers a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which someone or something has encountered a problem or obstacle that temporarily interrupts progress. For example: After years of steady growth, the company suffered a setback when the global economy entered a recession.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Perhaps most important, he provides insurance in case Teixeira suffers a setback.

The New York Times - Sports

And what happens if the economy suffers a setback next year?

The Guardian - Opinion

Whenever my sight suffers a setback, I seem to be flooded with ideas.

The Guardian - Books

When any part of the United Kingdom suffers a setback, the rest of the country stands behind it.

The Guardian - Opinion

If Pettitte suffers a setback, Manager JOE TORRE said, then ED YARNALL will probably be promoted from Class AAA Columbus to pitch in his place.

The New York Times - Sports

All the while, Molly smiles on the side, suffers a setback, moves to New York and racks up big money from card games that, at their best, turn into condensed pocket-size dramas, by turns triumphant and catastrophic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The Netherlands, too, suffered a setback.

The Economist

Tsimerman soon suffered a setback.

The Guardian

Then in 2003, she suffered a setback.

The New York Times

On Monday the proposal suffered a setback.

The New York Times

In 1990, however, Charest's career suffered a setback.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffers a setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being affected and the nature of the impediment. For instance, "The project suffers a setback due to unforeseen technical issues."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "suffers a setback" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "hits a snag" or "faces a hurdle" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffers a setback" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject experiences a temporary interruption or reversal in progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It can be found in various contexts, signifying a negative event that hinders forward momentum.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffers a setback" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a temporary halt or reversal in progress. Ludwig AI validates its usability in various writing contexts. While it is suitable for formal and professional communication, more informal alternatives may be preferred in casual settings. Analysis of authoritative sources reveals that it is most frequently used in news and media, followed by formal and business contexts. To enhance writing, ensure the context of the setback is clearly defined. By avoiding overuse in informal settings and choosing synonyms carefully, you can effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiences a reversal

Uses "experiences" instead of "suffers", implying a slightly less negative connotation.

encounters a difficulty

Replaces "setback" with "difficulty", suggesting a more general challenge.

faces an obstacle

Substitutes "setback" with "obstacle", highlighting the hindering aspect.

meets with adversity

Employs more formal language, replacing "suffers a setback" with "meets with adversity".

is hampered

Uses a passive voice to indicate being hindered, shifting the focus.

loses ground

Emphasizes the loss of progress rather than the event causing it.

takes a hit

Presents a more informal and direct way of saying that something has been negatively affected.

is thwarted

Implies that an effort has been actively prevented from succeeding.

sees its progress impeded

Focuses on the obstruction of progress using more descriptive language.

stumbles

Represents a brief pause or problem with forward progress

FAQs

How can I use "suffers a setback" in a sentence?

Use "suffers a setback" to indicate a temporary interruption or reversal in progress. For example, "The company "suffers a setback" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "suffers a setback"?

You can use alternatives like "experiences a reversal", "encounters a difficulty", or "faces an obstacle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "suffer a setback" or "suffers a setback"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "suffer a setback" for plural subjects (e.g., "They suffer a setback") and "suffers a setback" for singular subjects (e.g., "He suffers a setback").

What's the difference between "suffers a setback" and "suffer from a setback"?

"Suffers a setback" directly indicates experiencing a hindrance. "Suffer from a setback" implies enduring ongoing negative consequences as a result of that hindrance. The former focuses on the event, while the latter emphasizes the lasting impact.