a set

USAGE SUMMARY

"a set" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of things, typically four or more, that are seen as a unit or have something in common. For example, "The store offers a set of plates in different sizes and colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We played a set.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything is a set.

The New York Times

The material completes a set.

The Economist

Sock may take a set.

The New York Times

Would he lose a set?

The New York Times

Why a set that revolves?

The New York Times

("It could be a set," she says).

The New York Times - Books

Each arrived with a set of dishes.

The New York Times

"They were a set of beliefs".

The New York Times - Arts

The meeting follows a set pattern.

The New Yorker

She has yet to lose a set.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set", ensure the items in the set share a common characteristic or purpose for clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what the elements of "a set" include, particularly if it isn't obvious from the context. For example, "a set of tools" is less informative than "a set of gardening tools."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a set" is as a noun phrase functioning as a determiner followed by a noun. It is often used to specify a collection or group of items or concepts considered as a unit, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a set" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a collection of items or concepts considered as a unit. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across diverse contexts, including news, media, wiki articles, and scientific literature. To ensure clarity in your writing, always define the elements comprised in "a set". While highly versatile, consider related phrases like "a collection" or "a group" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its function and typical contexts, you can effectively use "a set" to enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group

Highlights the coming together of individual items.

a collection

Emphasizes the act of gathering items together.

an assortment

Stresses the variety within the grouping.

a selection

Implies a careful choice from a range of options.

an array

Suggests an organized or impressive display.

a combination

Highlights blending multiple elements.

a batch

Implies a quantity produced at one time.

a suite

Often refers to a coordinated arrangement, like furniture.

a compilation

Focuses on gathering information or data.

a configuration

Emphasizes a specific arrangement or setup.

FAQs

How is "a set" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a set" is used to describe a collection of items that belong together or are intended to be used together. For example, "Buy "a set of molds" for making ice balls."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a set"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a collection", "a group", or "an assortment" instead of "a set".

Is it grammatically correct to use "a set of" followed by a singular noun?

No, "a set of" should generally be followed by a plural noun, as it refers to a collection of multiple items. For example, "a set of books" is correct, whereas "a set of book" is not.

What's the difference between "a set" and "a collection"?

While both refer to a group of items, "a set" often implies that the items are designed or intended to be used together, while "a collection" simply means they have been gathered together. For instance, you might have "a set of golf clubs" or "a collection of stamps".