I set about working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I set about working on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have started a task or project. Example: "After receiving the assignment, I set about working on the research immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

With brass, synths and drums as their building blocks, Brasstracks set about working on more music.

The Guardian - Music

When the Quinns returned to Banbridge, they set about working on their dream.

The Guardian - Business

By contrast, when he set about working on the collection of images published on these pages, the photographer (and longstanding contributor to The Independent Magazine) Kalpesh Lathigra wanted to portray the women (who included some hijras, or eunuchs who dress and identify themselves as female) outside of their usual environment.

Independent

Having signed to the highly-respected Cologne-based dance label Kompakt, the pair set about working on what has become their forthcoming self-titled album, which mainly foregoes the house and techno of their respective pasts in favour of krautrock-tinged soundscapes.

The Guardian - Music

But before she did, she set about working on her music, crafting spectral, post-punk recordings that distracted her from her surroundings while also mirroring the ambient gloom.

Vice

But during the months she lived there, she set about working on her music, crafting spectral, post-punk recordings that distracted her from her surroundings while also mirroring the ambient gloom.

Vice

But one of the things I loved about working on this team is I could say to the chaplains, 'I have no idea what you are talking about.

BMC Palliative Care

I set about learning to work in bronze, which is learning to work in wax.

The New York Times

I knew the way it worked on the pop side, so I set about to learn how it worked on the classical side.

The New Yorker

"I watch a lot of shows on HBO and Showtime, but I was sort of reluctant about working on one — until 'Dexter' came along, because I also really love the way that they've set up these guest actors.

The New York Times - Arts

I set about the serious work of getting together a football team.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I set about working on" to clearly indicate the initiation of a task, especially when emphasizing a proactive or determined approach. It's particularly useful in narrative contexts to show the character's intent and action.

Common error

Avoid using "I set about working on" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "I started working on" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I set about working on" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It is used to describe the beginning of one's engagement with a task or project.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I set about working on" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the start of a task or project. While Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, its frequency is currently unverified due to the absence of examples. The phrase sits within a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various professional and narrative contexts. Alternatives such as "I began working on" or "I started working on" may be used based on the desired level of formality. The key is to use the phrase to emphasize intention and a proactive approach to starting something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began working on

Employs a simpler and more common verb ("began") to express the start of the work.

I started working on

Similar to "began", but with an even more informal tone.

I commenced working on

Uses a more formal verb ("commenced") to indicate the start of the work.

I initiated work on

Uses a more formal and direct phrasing, emphasizing the act of initiating.

I undertook the task of working on

Highlights the undertaking of the work as a specific task.

I addressed myself to working on

A more formal way of saying that one started to deal with the work.

I devoted myself to working on

Emphasizes dedication and commitment to the work.

I dedicated myself to working on

Similar to "devoted myself to", indicating a strong commitment.

I turned my attention to working on

Focuses on the shift of attention towards the work.

I got down to working on

An informal way of expressing that one started working seriously.

FAQs

What does "I set about working on" mean?

The phrase "I set about working on" means that you began or started to actively engage in a task or project. It implies a deliberate and often enthusiastic commencement of work.

What can I say instead of "I set about working on"?

You can use alternatives like "I began working on", "I started working on", or "I commenced working on" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is "I set about working on" formal or informal?

The phrase "I set about working on" leans towards the formal side but can be used in neutral contexts as well. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing this phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "I set about working on"?

It's appropriate to use "I set about working on" when you want to emphasize your intention and proactive approach to starting a task. It's suitable for narratives, reports, and situations where you want to convey a sense of purpose and determination.