is set upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is set upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is being attacked or confronted, often unexpectedly or forcefully. Example: "The traveler was suddenly set upon by a group of bandits in the dark alley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then, of course, Fox is set upon by a villain and killed.

The Guardian - Music

He is set upon by dogs and chased up a tree.

The New Yorker

Now, he is set upon testing into a top New York City public high school.

The New York Times

The horrible scene at Liverpool Street station in which he is set upon by a mob is accurate.

The Guardian - Film

When Lavinia is set upon by Tamora's punkish sons, the struggling, magnetic Kay plays the violence as real.

The Washington Post

And then the Gypsy encampment is set upon by the vicious, unseen (and therefore still scary) marauder.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

Vice

He's set upon by dogs.

The Guardian - Music

Maybe Nemesis had been set upon.

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is set upon" to convey a sense of sudden, unexpected attack or confrontation. It often implies vulnerability on the part of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "set on" when you mean "set upon". "Set on" implies a determination or intention, while "set upon" describes an attack or assault.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is set upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being attacked or confronted. Ludwig examples illustrate various scenarios where individuals or entities are unexpectedly attacked, highlighting the phrase's role in describing victimization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is set upon" effectively conveys a sudden, unexpected attack or confrontation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While suitable across different registers, it's important not to confuse it with "set on", which has a different meaning. Alternatives such as "is attacked by" or "is ambushed by" can be used, depending on the specific context. The phrase carries a neutral register overall, making it useful in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is attacked by

Focuses specifically on the act of being attacked, omitting the sense of suddenness or unexpectedness.

is fallen upon by

An archaic construction that means the same as "is set upon".

is assaulted by

Emphasizes a violent or forceful attack, often physical.

is ambushed by

Highlights the element of surprise and concealment in the attack.

is besieged by

Suggests being surrounded or overwhelmed by a large number of attackers or problems.

is descended upon by

Implies a sudden and forceful arrival of something, often in large numbers.

is mobbed by

Specifically refers to being attacked or surrounded by a crowd.

is swarmed by

Highlights being overwhelmed by a large, moving group.

is pounced on by

Suggests a sudden and predatory attack.

is preyed upon by

Denotes exploitation or victimization, not necessarily a physical attack.

FAQs

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

Use "is set upon" to describe someone or something being unexpectedly attacked or confronted. For example: "The traveler "was set upon" by bandits."

What's the difference between "is set upon" and "is attacked by"?

"Is set upon" implies a sudden, often unexpected attack, whereas "is attacked by" is a more general term. The former suggests a greater element of surprise.

What can I say instead of "is set upon"?

You can use alternatives like "is attacked by", "is assaulted by", or "is ambushed by" depending on the specific context.

Is "was set upon" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was set upon" is the past tense form of "is set upon" and is grammatically correct. It follows the same usage principles as "is set upon" but refers to a past event.