all set

USAGE SUMMARY

"all set" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have finished doing something and are ready to move on. For example: "I'm all set to begin the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'You boys all set.

The New York Times

"I'm all set".

The New York Times - Magazine

Am I all set for four years?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The choir's all set".

Wikipedia

We're all set".

The New Yorker

I was all set.

The New York Times

All set, my ass.

The New Yorker

4. All set.

Columbia University

So we're all set.

The Washington Post

We were all set.

The Guardian - Tech

Everything was all set.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all set" to confirm that preparations are complete and you are ready to proceed. It's concise and widely understood.

Common error

Avoid using "all set" when you mean "set up". "All set" indicates readiness, while "set up" refers to the act of arranging or configuring something. For example, say "I am all set for the meeting" (ready), not "I all set the presentation" (should be: "I set up the presentation").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "all set" is as an adjective phrase. It typically modifies a subject to indicate a state of readiness, preparedness, or completion. Ludwig provides examples where "all set" describes someone's condition or the status of a task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all set" is a very common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to indicate readiness, preparedness, or completion. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples from diverse sources, primarily News & Media and Academia. While considered neutral in register, it's versatile enough for various everyday situations. Key takeaways include using "all set" to confirm readiness and avoiding confusion with the term "set up". Ludwig AI analysis confirms that "all set" is usable in written English, further validating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good to go

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal, suggesting readiness and approval.

ready to go

Indicates preparedness for departure or commencement, focusing on the action of leaving or starting.

all prepared

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the preparation.

prepared

Emphasizes the state of being ready and equipped for a specific purpose or situation.

set up

Implies that the necessary arrangements or configurations have been completed.

ready and waiting

Highlights not only preparedness but also the act of awaiting an opportunity or instruction.

fully equipped

Focuses on having all the necessary equipment or resources.

in readiness

A more formal way of expressing preparedness, often used in official contexts.

in order

Suggests that everything is arranged and organized as it should be.

organized

Highlights the state of being systematically arranged and ready for use.

FAQs

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

You can use "all set" to indicate that you are ready or prepared for something. For example, "I'm "all set" to leave for my vacation" or "Are you "all set" to start the presentation?"

What does "all set" mean?

"All set" means thoroughly ready, prepared, equipped, satisfied, or content. It's a common phrase to indicate that everything is in order and you are ready to proceed.

What can I say instead of "all set"?

You can use alternatives like "ready to go", "prepared", or "good to go" depending on the context.

Is "all set" formal or informal?

"All set" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in most everyday situations. In very formal contexts, you might prefer a more formal alternative like "fully prepared" or "in readiness".