I set about preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I set about preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have started the process of preparing something. Example: "After receiving the invitation, I set about preparing for the big event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So I called and I wrote and I set about preparing what had seemed like a simple catered Vietnamese dinner until it became clear that achieving this simplicity might require as much effort as the framing of the Paris peace accords.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I thus set about preparing myself for a job in investment banking.

The Economist

After sampling the meal, he sets about preparing an alternative.

The New York Times

The sisters' apprehension only increases as Babette sets about preparing the meal.

University of Chicago

She sets about preparing dinner for her own family.

Unicef

Or at least this is what I found when I met him: straight away he gave me an apron and some knives and we set about preparing one of his most legendary dishes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I bought Haraway, a goodly horse, for 45 guineas and, with Dixon's help, set about preparing him for the new hunting season.

The Guardian - Books

Then they set about preparing for January's two-week shoot.

The Guardian - Film

It all started in 2008, then they set about preparing the ground".

The Guardian

It set about preparing an initial public offering while also seeking a full sale.

The Washington Post

Left to run free, some inmates attacked the segregated prisoners, but the main players set about preparing for the siege.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I set about preparing" when you want to emphasize the immediate commencement of a task, often implying a sense of purpose or resolve. This phrase works well in narrative contexts where you're describing actions taken promptly after a decision or event.

Common error

Avoid using "I set about preparing" in highly formal or technical writing where a more direct phrase like "I began preparing" or "I initiated preparation" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I set about preparing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It combines a pronoun (I), a verb (set), a preposition (about), and a gerund (preparing) to describe the initiation of preparation. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I set about preparing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the commencement of preparatory actions. Ludwig examples reveal its usage across various contexts, from news media to academic writing, highlighting its neutral register. Alternative phrases include "I started preparing" and "I began to prepare", offering slight variations in formality. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where more direct alternatives might be preferable. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase's usability and provides further context for its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started preparing

More straightforward and less formal.

I began to prepare

Similar to "started", but can imply a more deliberate beginning.

I commenced preparation

More formal and emphasizes the action of preparing.

I initiated the preparation

Emphasizes the act of starting or initiating.

I undertook to prepare

Implies a sense of responsibility or commitment to the preparation.

I took steps to prepare

Focuses on the actions taken in preparation.

I moved to prepare

Highlights the shift in focus towards preparing.

I turned my attention to preparing

Indicates a redirection of focus specifically towards preparation.

I got down to preparing

Informal and suggests a practical approach to beginning the preparation.

I devoted myself to preparing

Emphasizes dedication and commitment to the task.

FAQs

What does "I set about preparing" mean?

The phrase "I set about preparing" means that you started the process of getting something ready, often with a sense of purpose or determination. It indicates the commencement of preparatory actions.

What can I say instead of "I set about preparing"?

You can use alternatives like "I started preparing", "I began to prepare", or "I commenced preparation" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "I set about preparing" formal or informal?

"I set about preparing" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, more formal options like "I initiated the preparation" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

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

You can use "I set about preparing" to describe starting a task with intention. For example, "After receiving the assignment, I set about preparing my presentation."