I was set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is indicating that they were prepared or positioned for something, often in a past situation. Example: "I was set to leave for the trip when I realized I forgot my passport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In calculations, θ i was set to be 20 40°, so that the apex angle 2θ0 is 100 140°.

Earth, Planets and Space

I thought I was set.

The New York Times - Sports

"By 4 I was set".

The New York Times

I was set to be an academic.

The Guardian - Books

I figured I was set, because I had two options.

The New York Times

I was set to meet Louis MacNeice in 1963.

The Guardian - Opinion

"After that training," she says, "I was set".

The Guardian

Now I was set for the season: ready for more losing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was afraid I was setting a bad example.

The New York Times

Sure, I was setting myself tougher and tougher running goals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was setting up in London as a fledgling filmmaker.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was set" to clearly indicate that you were prepared or in a specific condition for an event or task in the past. Ensure the context makes it clear what you were set for.

Common error

Avoid using "I was set" without clarifying the intended outcome or purpose. Without context, it can be unclear what you were prepared or positioned to do. Always specify what you were "set" for to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was set" functions as a past tense construction indicating a state of being prepared or positioned for a specific purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. It sets the scene for subsequent actions or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was set" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying a state of preparedness or arrangement for something in the past. Ludwig confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's most prevalent in News & Media but appears across various contexts, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what you were "set" for to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "I was ready" or "I was prepared" for nuanced meaning. Because Ludwig AI validated its high correctness, you can use this phrase without reservations in your texts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was ready

Focuses on the state of being prepared or willing.

I was prepared

Emphasizes the act of making arrangements beforehand.

I was positioned

Highlights the physical or strategic placement.

I was arranged

Implies that things were organized or planned for me.

I was scheduled

Refers to a prearranged time or plan.

I was slated

Indicates that something was planned or intended.

I was designated

Highlights being chosen or appointed for something.

I was fixed

Suggests something was firmly in place or decided.

I was determined

Emphasizes a firm decision or intention.

I was destined

Suggests that something was predetermined or inevitable.

FAQs

What does "I was set" mean?

The phrase "I was set" means that you were prepared, ready, or in a specific condition or position for something. The context usually indicates what you were set for.

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

You can use "I was set" to describe a past state of readiness or preparation. For example, "I was set to leave for the trip when I realized I forgot my passport" or "I was set up with a billionaire investor who might be interested".

What can I say instead of "I was set"?

You can use alternatives like "I was ready", "I was prepared", or "I was positioned" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was set up"?

Yes, "I was set up" is a common and correct idiomatic expression. It usually means that someone has tricked or framed you, or that arrangements were made for you, often unexpectedly. For example: "I was set up by my abuser".