would be a setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be a setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or event that negatively impacts progress or success for someone or something. Example: "The unexpected delay in funding would be a setback for the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

ReprintsLosing in Kaohsiung would be a setback for the DPP.

The Economist

Sure, if Mr. Corzine abandons his new post, it would be a setback for the firm.

The New York Times

But it would be a setback for pimps to lose a major online marketplace.

The New York Times

"It would be a setback, for the sport and for these fighters.

The New York Times - Sports

It would be a setback for China's development if the rally turns to rout and investors lose faith.

The Economist

They also say that expanding it to include other goods would be a setback for already battered American industries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"If we were suddenly to pull out, there would be unquestionably a security vacuum that would not only put lives at risk and cause a loss of life but would also be a setback for the political process," he said.

The New York Times

For all the apparent disdain for the deadline, it would also be a setback for the Iranian negotiators if any agreement brokered in Vienna fell to pieces in Congress, in turn emboldening the deal's enemies in Iran.

The Guardian

South Africa have gone Bok to basics after losing to Japan, while bringing in some younger forwards, and it would not be a setback for the tournament if they went out – but how much do Wales have left in them?

The Guardian - Sport

It would also be a setback for Russia, which supports the Syrian regime and has been involved militarily in the country since last fall.

Vice

The higher tariff, if it sticks, would be a big setback for Perdue, for this is a market to make an agribusiness giant salivate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would be a setback for", ensure the subject experiencing the setback is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The budget cuts would be a setback for the research team."

Common error

Avoid using "would be a setback for" when the situation is only a minor inconvenience. Reserve it for situations where the impact is significant and noticeably detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be a setback for" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a hypothetical negative consequence. It predicts that a particular event or situation will negatively impact the progress or success of something else. This prediction aligns with Ludwig's examples that show an adverse impact to a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would be a setback for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something will negatively impact the progress or success of another entity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is predominantly found in news and media contexts, serving to express caution or concern about potential negative outcomes. While it maintains a neutral register, appropriate for both formal and analytical writing, it's crucial to employ the phrase accurately, ensuring the impact is truly significant and clearly linked to the identified subject. Alternatives such as "would impede progress for" or "would hinder advancement for" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would impede progress for

This alternative emphasizes the slowing down or obstruction of progress.

would hinder advancement for

Focuses on the obstruction of advancement or forward movement.

would represent a disadvantage for

Highlights the creation of an unfavorable position or condition.

would adversely affect

Focuses on the negative impact or effect.

would be detrimental to

Emphasizes the harmful or damaging nature of the impact.

would pose a challenge to

Implies that something would present difficulties or obstacles.

would create obstacles for

Emphasizes the creation of barriers or hindrances.

would undermine the success of

Highlights the weakening or destruction of success.

would complicate matters for

Highlights the making of a situation more complex or difficult.

would jeopardize the chances of

Stresses the risk or threat to the likelihood of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "would be a setback for" in a sentence?

Use "would be a setback for" to describe a situation that negatively impacts the progress or success of something. For example, "Losing key personnel "would be a setback for" the project's completion."

What are some alternatives to "would be a setback for"?

You can use phrases like "would impede progress for", "would hinder advancement for", or "would represent a disadvantage for" depending on the specific context.

Is "would be a setback to" grammatically correct?

While "would be a setback to" is grammatically understandable, "would be a setback for" is more commonly used and generally preferred in standard English.

What's the difference between "would be a setback for" and "would be a problem for"?

"Would be a setback for" implies a hindrance to progress, while "would be a problem for" suggests a more general difficulty or issue. The former emphasizes impeded advancement, while the latter highlights an overall challenge.