I set about to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I set about to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an action or task that one intends to undertake. Example: "After much consideration, I set about to write my novel, dedicating every weekend to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I set about to reclaim what had been lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I set about to understand what was wrong and how to make it better.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Intrigued by this discovery, I set about to find out a little history.

The New York Times - Travel

But when I set about to recreate this standard dish I found the sauce superfluous.

The New York Times - Food

Only a week or so ago, I set about to prepare a dish of steamed mussels with white wine.

The New York Times

"When I couldn't find any manufacturers to produce any prototypes, I set about to start up a company".

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I have been adamant since I came forward with my essay that I never set about to ruin the career of the person I spoke about," the actress and TV personality said Thursday on Twitter.

Los Angeles Times

I have set about to do just this.

Huffington Post

Like some of the best entrepreneurial stories I hear, Sheehan didn't set about to find a big idea.

Forbes

"We hear data when we hear drum patterns and chord progressions, so I set about trying to apply the same principles to a more unpredictable dataset," Johnson explained to The Creators Project.

Vice

Returning to the hotel, I set about trying to locate the Nauru Agency Corporation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I set about to" when you want to emphasize the deliberate and purposeful nature of starting a task or project.

Common error

Avoid using "I set about to" in very informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "I started to" or "I began to" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I set about to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a deliberate action. According to Ludwig, it signifies a purposeful start to a task. Examples show its use in initiating various activities, from reclaiming lost heritage to starting a company.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I set about to" is a grammatically correct verb phrase indicating the deliberate commencement of an action. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity for written English. While not exceedingly common, it's primarily found in News & Media sources and carries a neutral tone. When aiming for a simpler expression, consider alternatives such as "I began to" or "I started to". Remember to reserve this phrasing for scenarios where you wish to emphasize the purposeful nature of initiating a task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to

Emphasizes the start of an action, similar to setting about something.

I started to

Highlights the commencement of an activity or process.

I undertook to

Implies a formal or serious approach to beginning a task.

I endeavored to

Suggests making an effort to achieve something, often with a sense of purpose.

I aimed to

Focuses on the intention or goal one is trying to achieve.

I resolved to

Indicates a firm decision to start doing something.

I moved to

Highlights transitioning from one state or activity to initiating another.

I proceeded to

Suggests moving forward with a particular action or step.

I turned to

Implies shifting focus or resources towards a specific task or activity.

I dedicated myself to

Emphasizes commitment and focus on a specific goal or activity.

FAQs

What does "I set about to" mean?

The phrase "I set about to" means that you began or started to do something with a specific purpose or intention. It indicates a deliberate initiation of a task or project.

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

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

Is "I set about to" formal or informal?

The phrase "I set about to" is generally considered somewhat formal. Simpler alternatives such as "I began to" or "I started to" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

How do I use "I set about to" in a sentence?

Use "I set about to" when you want to express the purposeful start of an activity. For example: "After the meeting, "I set about to" organize my notes and create a plan of action."