had set in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had set in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of a process or action that has begun and is now underway. Example: "The committee had set in motion a series of changes to improve the organization's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

She hailed the domino effect that June's Brexit vote had set in motion.

The New Yorker

He was there to confront a situation that in every estimation he had set in motion.

The New York Times - Sports

But he had set in motion his family's continued operation of the Lakers.

The New York Times - Sports

But I had no premonition that Sputnik had set in motion events that would shape my career.

The New York Times

The President had set in motion an elaborate hidden machine for manufacturing the appearance of public enthusiasm for himself.

The New Yorker

In office he showed himself quite unable to control the violent agitation he had set in motion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

That disparity has set in motion the largest human migration in history.

The New York Times - Magazine

And we certainly don't understand the violent internecine religious battles we've set in motion.

The New York Times

We may have set in motion forces deeper than we may be able to deal with.

The New York Times

The move has set in motion a legal battle with ANC's biggest competitors.

The New York Times

Dante has set in motion a system here that will amuse endlessly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had set in motion" when describing a past action that initiated a series of events that are still relevant or unfolding.

Common error

Avoid using "had set in motion" if the initiated events have already concluded and have no ongoing impact. In such cases, use a simple past tense construction.

Linguistic Context

Had set in motion functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a process or sequence of events. It signifies that a prior action caused subsequent actions or developments. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly and effectively conveys the beginning of a chain of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “had set in motion” is a versatile verb phrase to express the act of initiating a process or series of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's particularly appropriate when describing how a past action led to subsequent consequences, particularly if those consequences are still unfolding. While applicable across various contexts, it leans towards a more formal register, frequently appearing in news articles, encyclopedic entries, and professional communications. Related phrases such as "triggered", "initiated", or "set off" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, consider the timeline of events and ensure that the initiated events are still relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggered

A more direct synonym, implying a singular event causing a subsequent action.

initiated

Suggests a formal or planned start to a process.

set off

Implies a chain reaction or sequence of events.

sparked

Highlights the beginning of something, often implying excitement or energy.

gave rise to

Indicates that something was caused or created as a result.

brought about

Implies that something was caused indirectly.

set the stage for

Emphasizes preparation and anticipation for subsequent events.

unleashed

Conveys a sense of power and uncontrollability.

instigated

Suggests active encouragement or incitement.

prompted

Indicates a direct and immediate cause.

FAQs

How can I use "had set in motion" in a sentence?

Use "had set in motion" to describe a past action that initiated a continuing sequence of events. For instance, "The discovery "had set in motion" a series of experiments."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "had set in motion"?

Alternatives include "triggered", "initiated", or "set off", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has set in motion" instead of "had set in motion"?

The choice depends on the context. "Has set in motion" is present perfect, implying relevance to the present, while "had set in motion" is past perfect, referring to an action completed before another point in the past.

What's the difference between "had set in motion" and "started"?

"Started" is a general term for beginning something. "Had set in motion" specifically implies initiating a process or sequence of events, often with broader or more complex consequences than simply "starting" something.