it is set off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is set off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is distinguished or separated from the rest, often in the context of punctuation or formatting. Example: "In the sentence, the appositive is set off by commas to clarify the meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is set off perfectly by the fried basil leaves.

The New York Times - Travel

It is set off from a main lobby by a wooden partition.

The New York Times

It is set off when someone acquires 10 percent or more of the company, instead of the standard 15 percent.

The New York Times

Far from being a problem, he said, a nonworking fireplace can enhance the price of your home, particularly if it is set off with an attractive mantel.

The New York Times

But it is set off by six parallel columns, three on a side, rising up and angling inward on a base that slopes up and back like a raised triangle.

The New York Times

One lone passage, as far as I've been able to detect, has added material of more than a few words; it is set off not by parentheses but by dashes, on p6.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The only certainty is that it refuses to denounce the violence, despite evidence that its own electoral fortunes wax when ETA is observing a truce and wane when it is setting off bombs.

The Economist

Its left side is more clearly defined, but it's set off on both sides by much darker material; the surface to the heart's right seems particularly complex.

Los Angeles Times

But it was set off by a bureaucratic oversight.

Independent

As is common, it was set off by a trauma: her longterm boyfriend died.

The New Yorker

Originally a part of Haverhill, it was set off in 1725 and incorporated as Methuen.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is set off" to clearly indicate that something is being distinguished or separated from its surroundings. This can be particularly useful in descriptive writing or when explaining technical concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is set off" when you simply mean something is starting or beginning, as this phrase implies a form of separation or distinction rather than initiation. Consider using alternatives like "it is triggered" or "it begins".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is set off" functions primarily as a passive construction. It indicates that something is being distinguished, separated, or initiated by an external cause or condition, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is set off" functions as a passive construction to indicate that something is being distinguished, separated, or triggered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic writings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of separation or initiation, avoiding misuse in contexts where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is distinguished

Emphasizes the quality of being noticeably different or special.

it is separated

Indicates a physical or conceptual division from something else.

it is triggered

Focuses on the action of initiating or activating something.

it is made distinct

Indicates that something has been made clearly different from the rest.

it is initiated

Similar to 'triggered' but emphasizes a more formal beginning or start.

it is demarcated

Focuses on clearly defining the limits or boundaries of something.

it is sparked

Highlights the beginning of something, often an event or reaction.

it is isolated

Highlights the state of being alone or apart from others.

it is highlighted

Focuses on drawing attention to something important.

it is accentuated

Emphasizes enhancing or making something more noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is set off" to indicate that something is separated or distinguished from its surrounding elements. For example: "In the sentence, the appositive "is set off" by commas to clarify the meaning."

What's a good alternative to "it is set off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it is distinguished", "it is separated", or "it is triggered".

Is it correct to say "it was set off" instead of "it is set off"?

Yes, "it was set off" is grammatically correct, but it indicates a past action or event. Use "it is set off" to describe a current state or condition. For example, "it was triggered by the alarm" refers to a past event, while "the paragraph "is set off" by indentation" describes its current appearance.

When should I use "it is set off" versus "it sets off"?

"It is set off" is in the passive voice, indicating that something is being acted upon, while "it sets off" is in the active voice, indicating that something is causing an action. For example, "The alarm "it sets off" a chain of events" versus "The alarm "it is set off" by motion".