have set in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"have set in motion" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to initiating a process or action that will lead to further developments. Example: "The committee has set in motion plans for the upcoming event." Alternative expressions include "have initiated" and "have triggered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Or would pseudo-profiling have set in motion a more violent turn of events?

The New York Times - Magazine

Our best bet for slowing down the planetary extinction we have set in motion is to focus on the collective.

The New York Times - Books

There is no evidence that we or anyone can guide from afar revolutions we have set in motion.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Shift in Perceptions The establishment of the sovereign government may have set in motion a subtle but real shift in perceptions among some Iraqi rebels.

The New York Times

With little more than an arched eyebrow he could have set in motion the chain of events necessary to install a new leader.

The Guardian - Opinion

Already, the United bankruptcy announcement on Dec. 9 and the US Airways filing in August have set in motion extensive industrywide cost-cutting measures.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the actions of everyone associated with the Riggs scandal have set in motion a reappraisal of the guardians of the American financial system.

The New York Times

Within 15 years they'll be trading or fighting with each other, exchanging diplomacy or whatever other relationship we might have set in motion.

The Guardian

Together, they have set in motion a remarkable, egalitarian push for improved technology to manage diabetes care, rarely seen in the top-down world of medical devices.

The New York Times - Health

That would have set in motion a process that would have made the transfer happen automatically, unless Panix took steps to block it.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have set in motion" when you want to emphasize the ongoing and potentially far-reaching consequences of an initial action. It highlights the idea that the initial action has created a process that will continue to unfold.

Common error

Avoid using "have set in motion" for simple, self-contained actions. This phrase is most effective when the initial action has clearly initiated a larger process or series of events. Don't use it if there are no predictable future events following this action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have set in motion" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of a process or series of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, emphasizing the beginning of a chain reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have set in motion" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of initiating a series of events or actions with ongoing consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide usage make it suitable for various formal contexts. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using "have set in motion", consider that it implies a chain reaction or a process that will continue to unfold beyond the initial action. Alternatives such as "have initiated", "have triggered" and "have sparked" can be used depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have initiated

Focuses on the act of beginning something, often in a formal or official context.

have triggered

Emphasizes the idea of causing a sudden reaction or chain of events.

have prompted

Indicates that something has encouraged or caused a particular action or outcome.

have set off

Similar to "triggered" but can also imply a physical chain reaction.

have sparked

Suggests a sudden burst of activity or interest as a result of the initial action.

have launched

Suggests a formal or organized beginning, often with a specific goal in mind.

have inaugurated

Implies a formal beginning or introduction, often related to institutions or projects.

have instigated

Implies a more deliberate or even negative initiation of events.

have commenced

A more formal and often ceremonial way to say "have started."

have started

A simpler, more general way of saying that something has begun.

FAQs

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

You can use "have set in motion" to describe initiating a series of events or actions. For example, "The new policy "has set in motion" significant changes within the organization."

What are some alternatives to "have set in motion"?

Some alternatives include "have initiated", "have triggered", or "have sparked" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "have set in motion" in formal writing?

Yes, "have set in motion" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing complex processes or changes. It conveys a sense of significant and ongoing impact.

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

"Have set in motion" implies a more complex chain of events resulting from an initial action, whereas "started" is a more general term for beginning something. Using "have set in motion" suggests ongoing consequences beyond the initial action.