Grammar fix

set back

delay progress

to cause something to happen later than planned or expected, usually by creating a problem or obstacle.

phrasal verbB2common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The heavy snow set back the construction by two weeks.daily life
If there are unexpected problems, like equipment breaking down, it can set back the whole project and make it difficult to finish on time.IELTS speaking

Pattern: set back [object]

WrongThe delay set back the schedule for two weeks.

RightThe delay set the schedule back by two weeks.

Use 'set back BY [a time]'; with the amount it's usually 'set X back by Y'.

Patternset back [object]

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The malfunction impeded the project's progress by several weeks.

Natural The breakdown set the project back by weeks.

'Set back' is the natural verb for delaying progress; 'impeded the project's progress' is heavy.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Set back' is different from 'put off,' which usually means to postpone something on purpose, while 'set back' is about an unexpected delay.