we experienced some setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we experienced some setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or difficulties encountered during a process or project. Example: "Despite our initial progress, we experienced some setbacks that delayed the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those who have experienced some setbacks in their life often perform better under pressure than those who haven't been fully tested, suggests recent research.

The Guardian

ISIS fighters experienced some setbacks in Iraq, where American airstrikes helped Iraqi and Kurdish forces reclaim the Mosul Dam and the Turkmen city of Amerli.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, Tran's company Huy Fong Foods has experienced some setbacks since late November.

Vice

"During some pretty dark days of his own: We may experience some setbacks when a frightened and misled public acts without thinking.

The Guardian

While China is experiencing some setbacks, it is clearly unwise to bet against the Chinese industrial base becoming increasingly dominant in the next five to ten years.

Forbes

Marriage is a true and just cause, and we will never abandon the field of battle just because we experienced a setback.

Huffington Post

But, recently, the French have experienced some uncharacteristic setbacks.

The New York Times - Sports

When we experience a setback at work, we tend to either become defensive and blame others, or berate ourselves.

Harvard Business Review

When we experience a setback, we tend to either become defensive and blame others, or berate ourselves.

Harvard Business Review

When we experience our first challenge or setback, things begin to change.

Huffington Post

I was one of the scientists working to make that happen, and I watched first-hand as planners experienced setback after setback.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we experienced some setbacks", follow up with a brief explanation of what those setbacks were. This provides context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "we experienced some setbacks" as a vague placeholder. Always provide specifics about the nature and impact of the setbacks to maintain transparency and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we experienced some setbacks" functions as a statement indicating that a group encountered obstacles or difficulties. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to acknowledge challenges faced during a process or project.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we experienced some setbacks" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to communicate that a group has faced challenges. Ludwig confirms its usability. It carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various contexts, though it’s best paired with specific details about the setbacks encountered to avoid vagueness. While no examples were directly found in Ludwig's database, similar alternatives exist, offering diverse ways to convey the same message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we encountered some obstacles

Replaces "setbacks" with "obstacles", focusing on impediments encountered.

we faced some challenges

Substitutes "experienced some setbacks" with "faced some challenges", emphasizing the act of dealing with difficulties.

we had some difficulties

Replaces "experienced some setbacks" with a more general expression of having problems.

we suffered some reverses

Uses "suffered some reverses" instead of "experienced some setbacks", highlighting negative outcomes.

we met with some impediments

Replaces "experienced some setbacks" with "met with some impediments", focusing on hindrances.

we ran into some snags

Substitutes "experienced some setbacks" with the more informal "ran into some snags", referring to unexpected problems.

we hit a few bumps in the road

Replaces "experienced some setbacks" with the idiomatic "hit a few bumps in the road", indicating minor difficulties.

we had a few hiccups

Uses "had a few hiccups" instead of "experienced some setbacks", suggesting temporary or minor disruptions.

we were thwarted by some obstacles

Emphasizes the idea that obstacles actively prevented progress.

our progress was hampered

Shifts the focus to the effect on progress rather than who experienced the setbacks.

FAQs

What does "we experienced some setbacks" mean?

The phrase "we experienced some setbacks" means that a group of people faced difficulties or obstacles that hindered their progress or caused temporary delays in achieving their goals.

How can I use "we experienced some setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "we experienced some setbacks" to introduce a discussion about challenges encountered during a project, event, or process. For example, "Despite our initial success, "we experienced some setbacks" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "we experienced some setbacks"?

You can use alternatives like "we encountered some obstacles", "we faced some challenges", or "we had some difficulties" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we experienced failures" or "we experienced some setbacks"?

The choice between "we experienced failures" and ""we experienced some setbacks"" depends on the severity of the situation. "Failures" suggests a more significant and possibly irrecoverable outcome, while "setbacks" implies temporary hindrances or minor issues.