this is a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success in a situation. Example: "After the unexpected delay in funding, I must admit that this is a setback for our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"This is a setback".

The New York Times

"This is a setback," Ryan said.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's no question this is a setback.

Independent

"Obviously, this is a setback," he said.

The New York Times

"This is a setback for him.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is a setback for two or three years".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"This was a setback," Leiter said.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of this being a setback, it becomes an opportunity".

The New York Times

This was a setback, if not quite a catastrophe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Deutch said, O.K., this was a setback, but you can't be afraid of failure.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was a setback in terms of results but we are happy with the direction we are travelling in.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a setback" to acknowledge a temporary obstacle while maintaining a positive outlook for future recovery or progress. For example, "While this is a setback, we are confident we can overcome these challenges".

Common error

Avoid using "this is a setback" repeatedly in formal reports or presentations. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "impediment", "challenge", or "regression" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a setback" functions as a statement or declaration. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a common way to acknowledge a difficulty or obstacle. The examples show its versatility in diverse contexts, from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a setback" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to acknowledge a temporary obstacle or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears frequently in news and media, but it is also appropriate in formal and business contexts. While acknowledging a negative development, the phrase often implies a degree of optimism and determination to overcome the challenge. Consider alternative phrasing such as "this represents a step back" or "this is a temporary hitch" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this represents a step back

Changes the verb and uses 'step back' instead of 'setback' to describe regression.

this is a temporary hitch

Replaces 'setback' with 'temporary hitch', suggesting a minor and transient obstacle.

this constitutes a hurdle

Uses 'hurdle' to indicate a challenge that needs to be overcome.

this is a bump in the road

Employs a metaphor suggesting a minor disruption in progress.

this is an impediment

Replaces 'setback' with 'impediment', indicating something that hinders progress.

this marks a regression

Focuses on the regressive aspect, using 'regression' instead of 'setback'.

this spells a delay

Highlights the delaying aspect of the situation.

this is a complication

Indicates that the situation has become more complex or difficult.

this poses a challenge

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

this is a stumbling block

Uses 'stumbling block' to suggest an obstacle that causes one to hesitate or fail.

FAQs

What does "this is a setback" mean?

The phrase "this is a setback" means that there has been an unexpected obstacle or difficulty that has delayed progress or made a situation worse. It implies a temporary regression from a desired outcome.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is a setback"?

It's appropriate to use "this is a setback" when acknowledging a temporary hindrance to progress. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express disappointment while maintaining optimism for recovery.

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

You can use alternatives like "this represents a step back", "this is a temporary hitch", or "this constitutes a hurdle" depending on the context.

Is "this is a setback" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this is a setback" is grammatically correct. The sentence follows standard English sentence structure, with "this" as the subject, "is" as the verb, and "a setback" as the predicate nominative.