there was a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where progress has been hindered or delayed due to an unexpected issue or problem. Example: "Despite our initial success, there was a setback when the main supplier failed to deliver the materials on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There was a setback for City, however, with Vincent Kompany limping off with a calf injury in the first half.

The New York Times - Sports

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

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there was a setback", be specific about the nature of the setback and its impact on the project or situation. This adds clarity and provides context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a setback" as a vague statement. Always follow up with details about what caused the setback and what steps are being taken to address it. Example: Instead of just saying "There was a setback", specify "There was a setback due to unexpected equipment failure, which delayed the project by two days."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a setback" functions as an announcement of an obstacle or hindrance. Ludwig shows many examples where it introduces negative developments affecting projects, plans, or recoveries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an unexpected problem that has hindered progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business communications. When using "there was a setback", it's important to provide context about the nature of the setback and its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was a hitch

Replaces "setback" with "hitch", suggesting a minor, temporary problem.

there was a snag

Similar to "hitch", "snag" implies a small, unexpected difficulty.

there was a complication

More formal than "setback", "complication" suggests a more complex issue.

there was a reversal

"Reversal" focuses on the change in direction or progress.

there was a delay

"Delay" highlights the aspect of postponement or slowing down.

there was an obstacle

"Obstacle" emphasizes the blocking or impeding nature of the issue.

progress was impeded

Changes the structure to emphasize the impact on progress.

development was hindered

Similar to "impeded", but focuses on development as the affected area.

momentum was lost

Emphasizes the loss of forward drive or impetus.

a regression occurred

Focuses on the idea of returning to a previous, less developed state.

FAQs

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

You can use "there was a setback" to indicate a temporary pause or reversal in progress. For example, "Despite our best efforts, there was a setback in the negotiations." You could replace this with "there was a complication" depending on the specifics.

What are some alternatives to "there was a setback"?

Some alternatives include "there was a hitch", "there was a delay", or "progress was impeded". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "there was a setback" or "there has been a setback"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "There was a setback" refers to a specific event in the past, while "there has been a setback" implies that the setback has current relevance or ongoing consequences.

What's the difference between "there was a setback" and "there were setbacks"?

"There was a setback" refers to a single event or instance. "There were setbacks" indicates multiple instances of problems or hindrances. For example: "There was a setback with the initial prototype", versus "There were setbacks throughout the testing phase".