it was a setup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a setup" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something was intentionally arranged or planned in advance. Example: After reviewing the evidence, the detective realized that the whole crime scene was a setup.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But it was a setup.

The New Yorker

In other words, it was a setup for failure.

The New York Times - Travel

Mazaheri said through a translator, "It was a setup".

The New York Times

"It was a setup," he said of the arrests and fatal shooting.

The Guardian

"He didn't know it was a setup, but I did, so I was really, really nervous.

The New York Times - Style

I think it was a setup to get black folks out of New Orleans forever.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It's a setup line.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's a setup.

The Guardian - Film

It's a setup, a ruse.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's a setup for a problem for kids".

The New York Times

"To a degree, it's a setup," said Simon.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a setup" to clearly convey that an event or situation was intentionally arranged, often with deceptive or negative intent. The phrase is concise and widely understood.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a setup" when simply describing a planned event without any implication of trickery or manipulation. For straightforward arrangements, use terms like "it was planned" or "it was arranged" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a setup" functions as a declarative statement, expressing the speaker's belief or understanding that a particular event or situation was pre-planned, often with deceptive intentions. Ludwig confirms that this is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a setup" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to reveal a situation as intentionally arranged, often with deceptive intent. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in News & Media, indicating its role in exposing hidden agendas. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with its implication of trickery, avoiding its use for straightforward, planned events. Understanding the nuances and appropriate usage of "it was a setup" empowers writers to effectively convey the intentional manipulation behind specific events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a trap

This alternative directly implies a deliberate scheme to ensnare someone, focusing on the element of danger or confinement.

it was a conspiracy

This suggests a secret plan involving multiple people, emphasizing the collaborative and often malicious nature of the arrangement.

it was a frame-up

This implies that someone was wrongly accused or made to look guilty, highlighting the injustice of the situation.

it was all planned

This alternative emphasizes the premeditation and deliberate nature of the event, without necessarily implying deception.

it was orchestrated

This suggests that the event was carefully arranged and controlled, often by a single person or group, highlighting the element of manipulation.

it was stage-managed

Similar to "orchestrated", this emphasizes the artificial and controlled nature of the event, as if it were a theatrical production.

it was rigged

This implies that the outcome was predetermined or manipulated, often in a competition or election.

it was a put-up job

This informal phrase suggests a dishonest or fraudulent scheme, emphasizing the lack of authenticity.

it was prearranged

This simply states that the event was agreed upon in advance, without necessarily implying deception or malice.

it was designed

This emphasizes the intentionality behind the event, suggesting that it was created with a specific purpose in mind.

FAQs

What does "it was a setup" mean?

The phrase "it was a setup" means that a situation or event was intentionally arranged or planned, often with the purpose of deceiving or entrapping someone. It implies a lack of authenticity and often suggests malicious intent.

How can I use "it was a setup" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a setup" to describe situations where someone has been tricked or lured into a disadvantageous position. For example, "The job interview seemed legitimate, but I later realized "it was a setup" to steal my ideas."

What can I say instead of "it was a setup"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a trap", "it was a frame-up", or "it was orchestrated" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was a setup" formal or informal?

"It was a setup" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was prearranged" might be preferred in highly professional or academic settings.