is set in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is set in" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to signify a particular place or time that a story or event takes place. For example, you could say: The novel "The Catcher in the Rye" is set in New York City.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nothing is set in stone".

Independent

But nothing is set in stone.

The New York Times - Sports

The story is set in 1428 France.

The New York Times - Arts

"Django" is set in 1858 and thereafter.

The New Yorker

The 1985 edition is set in 1996.

The New Yorker

(The play is set in 1934).

The New York Times

The movie is set in 1944.

The New York Times - Sports

This story is set in Chicago.

The New Yorker

It is set in Peckham, south London.

Independent

The ballet is set in autumn.

The New Yorker

(The story is set in 2006).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is set in" to establish the time, place, or context of a story, movie, play, or event. This helps the audience understand the backdrop against which the narrative unfolds.

Common error

Avoid using "is set in" with vague or ambiguous timeframes. Be specific with dates, eras, or periods to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is set in" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the location or time period where an event, story, or other narrative takes place. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to establish the setting. For example, "The movie is set in 1944."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is set in" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the location, time period, or context of a narrative or event. Ludwig AI validates its frequent use across diverse sources like News & Media and Academia. It functions to provide background information and establish a setting, influencing mood and theme. For example, "The film is set in Mexico City". While the phrase enjoys broad applicability, it's important to use it precisely, specifying clear timeframes and understanding its difference from similar phrases like "is filmed in". This ensures effective communication and avoids ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes place in

Focuses on the action occurring at a specific location, rather than the setting.

occurs in

Similar to "takes place in", but emphasizes the occurrence or event happening.

is situated in

Highlights the geographical or physical location of something.

is located in

Indicates the physical location or position.

is based in

Suggests a foundation or primary location of operation.

is staged in

Implies a deliberate arrangement of events in a particular setting, often used for performances.

unfolds in

Conveys a sense of events developing or revealing themselves in a particular place or time.

transpires in

Suggests that events happen or take place, often unexpectedly, in a specific context.

happens in

A simpler, more direct way of saying where something occurs.

is framed in

Suggests that something is presented or viewed within a particular context or setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "is set in" to describe where and when a story, movie, or event takes place. For example, "The novel is set in Victorian England" or "The play is set in a courtroom".

What are some alternatives to saying "is set in"?

Alternatives include phrases like "takes place in", "occurs in", or "is located in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the story is set during" instead of "the story is set in"?

While "is set in" typically refers to a location, "is set during" is more appropriate when specifying a time period. For example, "The story is set during the Roaring Twenties."

What's the difference between saying a movie "is filmed in" versus "is set in"?

"Is filmed in" refers to the actual location where the movie was shot, while "is set in" refers to the fictional location of the story. A movie can be filmed in one place but set in another.