I set about

USAGE SUMMARY

"I set about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have started doing something. For example: I set about cleaning my room after I got home from school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the next 20 years, I set about learning everything I could.

The New York Times - Magazine

I set about learning the terminology.

The New York Times

So I set about educating society.

The Guardian

I set about looking for a replacement.

The Guardian - Books

I set about making copious amounts of tea.

Independent

I set about eliminating the potential for disaster.

The Guardian - Music

So I set about developing a new product.

The Guardian

And so I set about trying to obtain G. renardii.

The New York Times

Throughout the day, I set about achieving this with gusto.

The Guardian - Music

I set about seeing how to help us both.

The New York Times - Tech

Let's talk about how I set about looking for you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I set about" to clearly indicate the beginning of a specific action or task. It conveys a sense of purpose and intentionality in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "I set about" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I started" or "I began" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I set about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It expresses the initiation of a task with purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I set about" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to indicate the commencement of an action, often with a sense of purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While versatile, it is generally more suitable for neutral to formal writing, with simpler alternatives available for casual conversation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started to

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the beginning of an action.

I began to

Similar to "I started to", this phrase emphasizes the initiation of an action.

I commenced

This is a more formal way of saying "I began", suitable for professional contexts.

I undertook

This suggests a more significant or challenging endeavor was started.

I embarked on

Implies starting a journey or project with a sense of purpose and direction.

I proceeded to

Indicates moving forward with a specific action after a preceding event.

I got down to

Suggests a practical and focused approach to starting a task.

I dedicated myself to

Emphasizes commitment and effort in starting a specific task or goal.

I turned my attention to

Indicates a shift in focus towards a new task or area of interest.

I took it upon myself to

Suggests personal initiative and responsibility in starting something.

FAQs

How can I use "I set about" in a sentence?

Use "I set about" to indicate that you began doing something with a specific purpose or intention. For example, "I set about cleaning the house" or "I set about researching the topic".

What are some alternatives to "I set about"?

You can use alternatives such as "I started to", "I began to", or "I undertook" depending on the context.

Is "I set about" formal or informal?

"I set about" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "I started" or "I began". Use it when you want to convey a sense of purpose and intention in a more professional setting.

What's the difference between "I set about" and "I started to"?

While both phrases indicate the beginning of an action, "I set about" often implies a more deliberate and planned approach compared to the more general "I started to".