it was all set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was all set" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that everything is prepared or arranged for a particular event or situation. Example: "After weeks of planning, it was all set for the big day, and everyone was excited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was all set forth, in its most comprehensive, well-nigh megalomaniac form, by Norman Podhoretz, the neo-cons' veteran intellectual luminary, in the September 2002 issue of his magazine, Commentary.

The Guardian

"It was all set," Ms. Pitts said.

The New York Times

"It was all set up," she recalls.

The Guardian - Music

"It was all set up by the openers," Sangakkara said.

Independent

It's an awful moral climate and it was all set up for the best of reasons.

The Guardian

"It was all set up by Yancy," said Wright, who finished with 10 points.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's all set for 2014.

The New York Times

It's all set up for him.

The New York Times - Sports

It's all set up with the president of China.

The Washington Post

"It is all set up for a fantastic final.

The Guardian - Sport

It is all set up for a cracker in Manchester.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was all set" to clearly communicate that preparations or arrangements have been finalized and a situation is ready to proceed.

Common error

Avoid using "it is all set" when referring to a past event; stick to "it was all set" for past arrangements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was all set" functions as a statement confirming that necessary preparations or arrangements have been completed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts to indicate readiness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sport

24%

General

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was all set" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that preparations or arrangements have been completed. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used in news, sports, and general contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tense and avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternative phrases like "everything was ready" or "it was all arranged" can provide variety and nuance. Pay attention to the context to ensure appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything was ready

Focuses on the readiness aspect, emphasizing the completion of preparations.

it was all arranged

Highlights the organizational aspect, indicating that plans have been made.

everything was in place

Stresses the correct positioning or arrangement of necessary items or elements.

the stage was set

More metaphorical, suggesting that conditions are right for something to happen.

preparations were complete

Formal and emphasizes the completion of the preparatory actions.

the groundwork was laid

Emphasizes the foundational work that has been completed.

it was good to go

More informal and emphasizes the permission or ability to proceed.

it was primed

Suggests a state of being fully prepared and ready for action or use.

all systems were go

A more technical or formal way of expressing readiness, often used in mission control contexts.

the path was cleared

Indicates that obstacles have been removed and progress is now possible.

FAQs

What does "it was all set" mean?

The phrase "it was all set" means that everything was prepared or arranged for a particular event or situation. It indicates a state of readiness.

How can I use "it was all set" in a sentence?

You can use "it was all set" to describe a situation where preparations have been completed. For example, "After weeks of planning, "it was all set" for the big day."

What can I say instead of "it was all set"?

You can use alternatives like "everything was ready", "it was all arranged", or "the stage was set" depending on the context.

Is "it is all set" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is all set" is grammatically correct, but it refers to the present tense. Use "it was all set" when referring to a past arrangement. The best choice depends on when the arrangement took place.