Set things right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Set things right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to correcting a situation or resolving a problem. Example: "After the misunderstanding, I knew I had to set things right with my friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the end, Pig helps set things right.

The New York Times - Books

Only Angelica's story, the final one, may set things right.

The New York Times - Books

With just one speech, the president can set things right".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Hopefully, he'll get the idea and set things right".

The New York Times

If you deal with problems swiftly and set things right, people are impressed.

The New York Times

In many of these photos, we can easily envision someone coming along to set things right.

The New Yorker

Great strides have been made to set things right, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Dwayne Johnson plays Roadblock, who leads the surviving Joes on a mission to set things right.

The New York Times

In Afghanistan, it is almost certainly not too late to set things right.

The New Yorker

That intervention set things right, but the popularity of the breed remained.

The New York Times

Ever since, he and his staff have been trying to set things right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Set things right" when you want to emphasize the act of correcting a problem or injustice, especially when there's a moral or ethical dimension to the situation. For example, using the phrase after an apology can reinforce your commitment to make amends.

Common error

While "Set things right" is a valid and useful phrase, it can sound overly formal or serious in everyday conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "fix it" or "sort it out" in more casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Set things right" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action to correct or rectify a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Set things right" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to convey the action of correcting a wrong or resolving a problem. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for written English and commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is considered grammatically sound, it is most effective when you want to emphasize the act of correction, particularly when it involves moral or ethical considerations. It's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in casual conversation, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Put something to rights

Variant of the original phrase, emphasizing the act of correction.

Correct the situation

Focuses on fixing a problem or error.

Right the wrong

Emphasizes correcting an injustice or unethical act.

Rectify the matter

Emphasizes correcting something that is wrong or unjust.

Put things in order

Highlights restoring organization or proper arrangement.

Make amends

Stresses compensating for a wrong or injury.

Straighten things out

Suggests resolving confusion or difficulties.

Remedy the situation

Implies providing a solution to a problem.

Resolve the issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem.

Ameliorate the circumstances

Refers to improving a bad situation.

FAQs

How can I use "Set things right" in a sentence?

"Set things right" is generally used when you want to convey fixing something that is wrong or has gone amiss. For example, you might say, "After the argument, I wanted to "make amends" and "set things right" with my friend".

What are some alternatives to "Set things right"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "correct the situation", "rectify the matter", or "put things in order" as alternatives to "Set things right".

Is "Set things right" formal or informal?

"Set things right" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more serious or emphatic tone. Simpler phrases might be preferred in casual settings.

What's the difference between "Set things right" and "Fix the problem"?

While both phrases imply resolving an issue, "Set things right" often carries a stronger connotation of correcting a moral or ethical imbalance. "Fix the problem" is a more general term for resolving any issue, regardless of its ethical implications.