Phrasal verb
set back
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
set back
Past
set back
Past participle
set back
Definition
phrasal verb. to delay the progress of something or someone, making it take longer to finish a task.
phrasal verb. to delay or impede the progress of a process, project, or person. Transitive and often used to quantify the duration of a delay.
Examples
“Heavy rain often sets back our construction work.”
“A series of technical glitches set back the product launch, forcing the company to reschedule the event for next month.”
“While the loss of the primary investor set back the development phase significantly, the startup managed to secure alternative funding within the quarter.”
Examples
simple
“Heavy rain often sets back our construction work.”
contextual
“A series of technical glitches set back the product launch, forcing the company to reschedule the event for next month.”
complex
“While the loss of the primary investor set back the development phase significantly, the startup managed to secure alternative funding within the quarter.”
Usage
The phrase is separable, meaning the object can go between 'set' and 'back' or after the whole phrase.
Teaching tip
Distinguish between the phrasal verb and the noun 'setback', which refers to the obstacle itself rather than the act of delaying.
Pitfall
The error set back it.
The error set it back.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'us', it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
optional
Pattern
set + back + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/set-back