will be set back

USAGE SUMMARY

"will be set back" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something will be delayed or postponed. Example: "The project will be set back due to unforeseen circumstances." Alternative expressions include "will be delayed" and "will be postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The building will be set back from the sidewalks.

The New York Times

Of course not: we will be set back generations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The penthouse floor will be set back to lessen its visibility from the street.

The New York Times

Moreover, both of these additions will be set back from the street.

The New York Times - Arts

A. The smaller they are, the less they will be set back by transplant shock.

The New York Times

Instead, all the hotels and tourism facilities will be set back away from the beach.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

If you buy this guy through Plantronics Web site, you'll be set back about $40.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But, Mr. Weaver added: "If the House effectively kills comprehensive immigration reform this cycle, we'll be set back for generations, if not longer.

The New York Times

You might see a jump in your rankings temporarily, but eventually, Google will figure out what you're up to, and you'll be set back to square one – often with a manual or algorithmic penalty attached to your domain which can be difficult, sometimes impossible, to recover from.

Forbes

She reminds Andrew that if she's deported, the work he put in as her assistant will be lost, and he'll be set back in his dream to become an editor.

Wikipedia

The person who concocted this thing will almost certainly will not be set back on his career within the GOP-aligned media in any way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be set back", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed or impeded. For example: "The project will be set back due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "will be set back" without specifying the degree or duration of the delay. Vague statements like "progress will be set back" can lack impact. Instead, quantify the setback: "Progress will be set back by two weeks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be set back" functions primarily as a passive verb, indicating that a subject will experience a delay or regression in progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to describe projects, plans, or even abstract concepts being impeded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will be set back" is a versatile phrase used to express that something will be delayed or impeded, often implying a regression in progress. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in news, media, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, specify what is being set back and, if possible, the extent of the delay to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "will be delayed" or "will suffer a setback" for nuanced variations in meaning. The frequency of this phrase across diverse sources underscores its importance in conveying delays and regressions in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will suffer a setback

Nominalization of the original phrase, emphasizing the occurrence of a setback.

will be delayed

Focuses specifically on the postponement aspect.

will be hindered

Highlights the impediment or obstruction of progress.

will be impeded

Similar to 'hindered', but can imply a more significant obstruction.

will encounter a delay

Focuses on the experience of encountering a delay.

will be reversed

Emphasizes a return to a previous state, negating progress.

will regress

Directly indicates a return to a less developed state.

will be thrown back

Suggests a forceful or sudden setback.

will be put behind

Highlights a delay in achieving a goal.

will be deferred

Emphasizes the postponement of something to a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "will be set back" in a sentence?

"Will be set back" indicates a delay or reversal in progress. For example, "The project "will be set back" due to funding issues".

What can I say instead of "will be set back"?

You can use alternatives like "will be delayed", "will be hindered", or "will suffer a setback" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "will be set back a year"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It indicates the duration of the delay. For instance, "The research "will be set back" a year due to the equipment malfunction".

What's the difference between "will be set back" and "will be delayed"?

While both imply a postponement, "will be delayed" simply indicates a later occurrence, whereas ""will be set back"" often suggests a regression from the current state or an impediment to forward progress.