be set upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be set upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is attacked or confronted aggressively by others. Example: "As he walked home late at night, he was suddenly set upon by a group of thieves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

As in "Marrying Up", where all we are told is that the world "got bad", and to go outside is to be "set upon", the apocalypse is treated with a vertiginous lightness: the psychodramas happen behind four walls, in a fight to the psychic death.

The Guardian - Books

He would be set upon, like Actaeon, and torn apart.

The New Yorker

And many further struggles will be set upon this stage before it's over.

The New York Times

And if Clegg went to a pub … well, he'd probably be set upon, but that's another story.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They're worried that as soon as the police leave, they're going to be set upon," she said.

The New York Times

The object was to break up the bomber formations so that individual ships could be set upon and destroyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Ali Smith called him a literary and social visionary – but he has also been set upon by critics, his mysticism not being for all palates.

The Guardian - Books

Nobody – bar maybe Charles Bronson – likes being set upon by police.

Vice

He's set upon by dogs.

The Guardian - Music

As violence spread, a double-decker bus was set upon.

The Guardian

(Robert McCartney and his friend Brendan Devine were set upon by nine).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be set upon" to convey a sense of sudden, often violent, confrontation or attack. It's particularly effective when the victim is caught off guard.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly identified as the one being attacked or confronted. Avoid using "be set upon" when the subject is the attacker.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be set upon" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action, specifically being attacked or confronted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be set upon" is a correct and usable English phrase that effectively describes a sudden attack or confrontation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is often employed in narrative or descriptive contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, its frequency is most notable in news reporting and encyclopedic content. If you aim to convey an aggressive encounter with an element of surprise, "be set upon" is a strong choice. Alternative phrases such as "be attacked" or "be ambushed" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attacked

This is a direct and simpler alternative, focusing on the act of aggression.

be assaulted

Suggests a violent attack, emphasizing the physical harm inflicted.

be ambushed

Implies a surprise attack, highlighting the element of unexpectedness.

be descended on

Suggests a rapid and overwhelming approach, often by a large group.

be pounced on

Implies a sudden and forceful attack, often used metaphorically.

be swarmed

Suggests being overwhelmed by a large number of attackers.

be mobbed

Implies being surrounded and aggressively approached by a crowd.

be accosted

Suggests being approached aggressively or threateningly.

be confronted

Implies a direct and often hostile encounter.

be waylaid

Suggests being stopped unexpectedly, often with malicious intent.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be set upon" describes someone being attacked or confronted aggressively. For example, "Walking home, he "was set upon" by a group of thugs."

What's a good alternative to "be set upon"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "be attacked", "be ambushed", or "be confronted". Each carries slightly different connotations of violence or surprise.

What does it mean to "be set upon" by something?

To "be set upon" means to be subjected to a sudden and often violent attack or confrontation. It implies an element of surprise and being caught off guard.

Is "be set upon" formal or informal?

The phrase "be set upon" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in narrative or descriptive writing.