is set free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is set free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is being released from confinement or restrictions. Example: "After years of captivity, the animal is set free into its natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chile is set free.

The New Yorker

He is set free when the opera has its premiere.

The New Yorker

Anyone who survives a stoning is set free without further punishment.

The New York Times

72 min: Suarez is set free into the Korean area down the inside-right channel.

The Guardian - Sport

The bat, so carefully "worked … loose," is set free into a less than friendly environment.

The Guardian - Books

In such a practice, design, unbound from its material thingness, is set free to design contexts as complex systems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, when the witness gets away from Chan, there's no evidence to put Chu away, and he is set free.

Stanford University

Gilded youth is set free to experiment and be absurd; high pretensions co-exist with human weakness.

The Guardian - Books

24 min: Forlan is set free down the inside-left channel by a delightful backheel from Suarez.

The Guardian - Sport

After he is set free, Zhang Ming meets with a girl who looks like Wu Di in appearance and is playing with the hooligans.

Stanford University

Mr Karayilan has already made clear that unless Mr Ocalan is set free (he probably means put under house arrest) the PKK will not lay down its arms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is set free", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of release or liberation. Choose alternative phrases if a more specific nuance is required.

Common error

Avoid using "is set free" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The prisoner is set free by the judge", consider "The judge sets the prisoner free".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is set free" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being freed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with numerous examples showing its application across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is set free" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb phrase signifying release or liberation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across varied contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While generally neutral in register, context determines if a more specific alternative like "is released" or "is liberated" might be more appropriate. When writing, consider whether the passive voice construction is the most effective choice or if an active voice would be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is released

Implies a formal or official act of letting someone or something go.

is liberated

Suggests freedom from oppression or captivity, often with a sense of empowerment.

is emancipated

Specifically refers to being freed from legal, social, or political restraints.

is discharged

Commonly used in legal or medical contexts, referring to release from obligation or confinement.

is unbound

Suggests a release from physical or metaphorical restraints, allowing for greater freedom of movement or expression.

is unleashed

Implies a forceful or uncontrolled release, often of something powerful or dangerous.

is let go

A more casual way of saying is released, suggesting a lack of strict control.

gains freedom

Focuses on the act of achieving freedom rather than the state of being free.

achieves liberation

Emphasizes the effort and accomplishment involved in becoming free.

is given liberty

Highlights the act of being granted freedom by an external force.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is set free" is typically used in passive voice constructions to describe the act of someone or something being released from confinement or control. For example, "The bird "is set free" from its cage" or "The data "is set free" from its previous restrictions".

What are some alternatives to "is set free"?

Alternatives include "is released", "is liberated", "is unleashed", or "is discharged", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "is set free" and "is released"?

While both phrases indicate a release, "is set free" often implies a sense of liberation from a restrictive or captive state. "Is released" is more general and can refer to a simple act of letting something go without the same emotional or symbolic weight.

When is it better to use "is set free" over other similar phrases?

Use "is set free" when you want to emphasize the sense of liberation or escape from a previous state of confinement or restriction. It's particularly suitable when discussing abstract concepts like data or creativity being freed from limitations.