there is a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an obstacle or delay in progress, often in a project or plan context. Example: "We were making good progress on the project, but unfortunately, there is a setback that we need to address before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The coach said the plan was for Griffin to play in Week 1, but it will not happen if there is a setback involving Griffin's knee.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't know what is meant by us showing the 'old Chelsea', but the Chelsea we want to see is one that reacts when there is a setback," said Hiddink.

The Guardian - Sport

"You're not going to have any slack whatsoever in the system if there is a setback in Venezuela, or a strike in Nigeria or damage to Kuwaiti oil fields, or if Saddam blows up his fields," he said.

The New York Times

"This dollar-negative trend seems likely to persist until there is a setback in the recovery or stocks".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Every time there's a setback, there's more of an opportunity for a new step up," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a setback earlier this year when Force India blocked their plans to make a comeback using their 2014 car.

The Guardian - Sport

He said that unless there was a setback, he could join the Yankees on Friday at Yankee Stadium for the three-game series with the Boston Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

The news came as there was a setback in negotiating a security pact that would set out how long American forces stay in Iraq.

The New York Times

There was a setback when a trusted staff member stole more than $40,000 worth of classic cartoon panels to support a drug habit.

The New York Times

Yet there was a setback two years ago when the British parliament rejected military intervention against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's government to deter the use of chemical weapons.

The Guardian

But there was a setback for another of the competition's big names as Liverpool was held to a 2-2 drat at home to Young Boys, leaving its hopes of progressing to the final 32 in the balance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "there is a setback", clearly identify the area or process that has been affected to provide context and clarity to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a setback" without explaining what caused the setback or what the implications are. Always follow up with specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a setback" functions as an announcement of an impediment or delay. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is used to introduce the existence of a problem that is hindering progress, evident in examples discussing project delays and recovery setbacks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there is a setback" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate an obstacle or delay. Ludwig AI analysis and examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirm its common usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to follow up with specific details about the nature and implications of the setback for clarity. Consider using alternative phrases like "a hurdle has emerged" or "progress has stalled" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hurdle has emerged

Substitutes "setback" with "hurdle", focusing on an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

a snag has occurred

Replaces "setback" with "snag", suggesting a minor problem or difficulty.

we are facing an impediment

Replaces "setback" with "impediment", suggesting something that hinders or obstructs progress.

the initiative has suffered a reverse

Uses the word "reverse" instead of setback, conveying a negative change in the progression.

progress has stalled

Shifts the focus to the lack of advancement rather than the specific cause.

the plan has hit a roadblock

Uses the metaphor of a "roadblock" to indicate an obstruction to the plan.

a challenge has presented itself

Focuses on the "challenge" aspect, framing it as something to be addressed.

we've encountered a problem

Generalizes the issue to a "problem", suitable for various situations.

development has been hampered

Emphasizes the hindering of development rather than a complete stop.

the project is facing delays

Highlights the delays caused by the setback.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a setback" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a setback" to indicate a delay or problem that has occurred. For example, "We were making good progress, but "there is a setback" that we need to address".

What are some alternatives to saying "there is a setback"?

Alternatives include "a hurdle has emerged", "a snag has occurred", or "progress has stalled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "there is a setback" or are there other options?

The phrase "there is a setback" is suitable for most contexts. For more formal situations, you could consider "we are facing an impediment". In informal speech, alternatives such as "we've encountered a problem" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "there is a setback" and "the plan has hit a roadblock"?

"There is a setback" is a general statement indicating a problem. "The plan has hit a roadblock" is more specific, suggesting a complete obstruction to the plan's progress. The latter is more figurative and emphasizes the severity of the problem.