is setting in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is setting in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of initiating or starting a process or action. Example: "The new policy is setting in motion a series of changes that will improve efficiency in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The most valuable role the president now has is setting in motion a plan to ensure that this tragedy is never repeated and that other threatened communities take responsibility to become organized and prepared.

The New York Times

It is a cold and irresponsible act on Toyota's part, a decision that was not necessary from a business standpoint and that completely disregards the wave of human misery it is setting in motion.

The New York Times

With Democrats intensifying their attacks on the strategy outlined this week by General Petraeus, the administration is setting in motion its plans with a prime-time speech by the president on Thursday, a subsequent visit to a military base and continued appearances by General Petraeus and Ryan C. Crocker, the American ambassador in Baghdad.

The New York Times

The tech world, and/or the machinations it is setting in motion, is becoming Henry Potter to the precariat's George Bailey, and/or Ebenezer Scrooge to its Bob Cratchit, for a period of wrenching disruption measured in decades.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thus the plot is set in motion.

The New York Times - Books

The poverty cycle for these families is set in motion.

The Guardian

Once the plot is set in motion Pino Donaggio's score takes over.

The Guardian - Film

"Once a process is set in motion, let us not talk about solutions," he said.

The New York Times

Fittingly, the novel's plot is set in motion by a #MeToo moment avant la lettre.

The New Yorker

When the Marshals Service takes over a property, a well-practiced process is set in motion.

The New York Times

Some of the interesting chemistry of clusters is set in motion by light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone. The phrase has a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for news articles, reports, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "is setting in motion" in casual conversations or informal writing, where simpler alternatives like "starting" or "beginning" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is setting in motion" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a process or series of events. It signifies the act of causing something to begin and progress. Ludwig examples show it used when describing plans, strategies or events that have been started.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is setting in motion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the initiation of a process or series of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal writing. While relatively infrequent, it appears primarily in news and media contexts and encyclopedia. When writing, use "is setting in motion" to signal the beginning of a sequence of actions and consider the slightly formal tone to ensure it fits your context. Use simpler alternatives such as "starting" in informal situations. Remember that the phrase emphasizes the unfolding process or the chain of consequences resulting from an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is initiating

Focuses more directly on the act of beginning something.

is launching

Implies a formal or significant beginning, often used for projects or initiatives.

is triggering

Highlights a cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting the phrase provokes a reaction.

is giving rise to

Highlights the causal relationship where something emerges or results from the action.

is ushering in

Implies the start of a new era or phase.

is starting

A more basic and general way to express the beginning of an action or process.

is paving the way for

Emphasizes preparation and enablement for future events or actions.

is commencing

A more formal synonym for 'starting'.

is instigating

Suggests active encouragement or provocation of an action or event.

is sparking off

Describes a sudden or intense beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "is setting in motion" in a sentence?

Use "is setting in motion" to indicate that an action or decision is initiating a series of events or a process. For example: "The new policy is setting in motion significant changes within the organization".

What are some alternatives to "is setting in motion"?

Alternatives include "is initiating", "is triggering", or "is launching". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "is setting in motion" or "sets in motion"?

The choice depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "is setting in motion" for continuous or ongoing actions, and "sets in motion" for habitual or factual statements.

In what contexts is "is setting in motion" most commonly used?

"Is setting in motion" is often used in news, reports, and formal documents to describe how a particular action starts a chain of events or a significant process.