be set free

USAGE SUMMARY

"be set free" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
Example: After years of wrongful imprisonment, the man was finally set free when new evidence proved his innocence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cyr be set free.

The New York Times

They could simply be set free.

The New York Times

All adult salmon must be set free.

The New York Times - Sports

No one is arguing that terrorists should be set free.

The New York Times

Right, they're ready to be set free now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They are expected to be set free sometime this year.

The New York Times

Germany's service firms desperately need to be set free.

The Economist

I did think that I would be set free.

The New York Times

It is unclear when, if ever, Slahi will be set free.

The Guardian

Mr Mansour needs to be set free, and an official apology is necessary I think".

The Guardian

One of the 13 to be set free, Anthony Porter, almost did not make it home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be set free" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is being released from a state of captivity, imprisonment, or obligation. It often implies an external force or decision leading to the release.

Common error

Avoid using "set free" in the active voice when you intend a passive meaning. For instance, instead of "The judge set free the prisoner", which is grammatically correct but less common, prefer "The prisoner was set free by the judge" to clearly convey the action was done to the prisoner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be set free" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being released or liberated. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be set free" is a passive verb phrase meaning to be released or liberated from confinement or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. Grammatically sound, it functions to express the state of liberation, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While synonymous alternatives like ""be released"" or ""be liberated"" exist, "be set free" specifically emphasizes the passive reception of the act of liberation. To avoid common errors, ensure the correct passive voice construction. All in all, it's a versatile and appropriate choice for expressing the concept of release.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be released

Similar in meaning, but can also refer to the release of information or products, not just people or entities.

be liberated

Highlights the act of liberation, often implying a more active or forceful release.

go free

A more concise way of saying "be set free", often used in legal or judicial contexts.

be emancipated

Suggests freedom from legal, social, or political constraints, especially associated with historical contexts like slavery.

gain freedom

Focuses on the act of achieving freedom, rather than the state of being freed by someone or something else.

be discharged

Often used in the context of being released from a duty, obligation, or institution like the military or a hospital.

break free

Implies a more active and forceful escape from confinement or control.

be let go

Can also mean to be dismissed from a job; meaning change according the context.

be delivered

Implies a rescue or salvation from a difficult or dangerous situation.

find deliverance

Highlights the act of finding freedom, often suggesting a spiritual or emotional release.

FAQs

How can I use "be set free" in a sentence?

You can use "be set free" in sentences where someone or something is being released from captivity or constraint. For example, "The political prisoners were expected to "be set free" sometime this year" or "Germany's service firms desperately need to "be set free"".

What is a synonym for "be set free"?

Synonyms for "be set free" include phrases like "be released", "be liberated", or "gain freedom". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "being set free"?

Yes, "being set free" is grammatically correct. It's often used as a gerund or participle. For example, "Being set free was the best moment of his life" or "He enjoyed the feeling of "being set free" from his responsibilities".

What's the difference between "be set free" and "set someone free"?

"Be set free" is passive, indicating someone receives the action of being freed. "Set someone free" is active, indicating someone performs the action of freeing. For example, "The hostages were set free" (passive) versus "The rescuers set the hostages free" (active).