What are the definitions of “set back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cost.
The car repairs SET me BACK eight hundred pounds.
- 2Delay.
The accident SET the project BACK several months.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “set back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb set back is to cause a delay or to slow down progress. It can also mean to cost someone a certain amount of money. For example, a project can be set back due to unforeseen circumstances, or a purchase can set someone back a specific amount of money.
What are the different verb forms of “set back”?
| Root Verb | set back |
| Third Person Singular Present | sets back |
| Present Participle | setting back |
| Simple Past | set back |
| Past Participle | set back |
Example
The unexpected issue set back the project by a week.
Example
The new computer sets him back a thousand dollars.
Example
The construction delays are setting back the opening date.
Example
The storm set back our travel plans.
Example
The project was set back due to budget cuts.
What kind of phrasal verb is “set back”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“set back” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The car repairs set me back eight hundred pounds.
Example
The accident set the project back several months.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“set back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The car repairs set me back eight hundred pounds.
Example
The accident set the project back several months.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “set back”?
An obstacle or hindrance that delays progress or causes a loss.
Example
The team faced a major setback when their star player was injured.
Good things to know
Does “set back” have an informal or formal tone?
Set back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
