it was set in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was set in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the location or time period in which a story, event, or situation takes place. Example: "The novel was set in the 1920s, capturing the essence of that vibrant era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was set in motion from 2013.

The Economist

It was set in 1984!

The Guardian

It was set in Vermont in 1959.

The Guardian - Film

It was set in a pre-embargo world.

The New York Times

It was set in Coleraine, Nesbitt's own home county.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Like her previous books, it was set in New England.

The New York Times

At least it was set in context", he adds.

The Guardian

It was set in Nigeria, and about traditional Yoruba culture.

The Guardian

Oh, and it was set in the hills of the French Alps.

Independent

It was set in a small, privately owned zoo somewhere in Massachusetts.

The New Yorker

As for the fare, it was set in July 1981 at 75 cents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was set in" to establish the atmosphere or historical period of a narrative. This helps readers immerse themselves in the story and understand the context better.

Common error

Avoid using "it was set in" when you actually want to describe the theme or main idea of a work. The setting is the time and place, not the underlying message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was set in" functions as a descriptor of setting, indicating the temporal or geographical context of a narrative, event, or situation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it clearly establishes the background against which something unfolds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was set in" is a versatile phrase used to establish the temporal or geographical setting of narratives, events, or situations. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves the purpose of providing background information and context. While neutral in register, using this phrase effectively requires clear definition of "it" to avoid ambiguity. With a very common frequency and a high expert rating, mastering the use of "it was set in" can enhance your writing's clarity and descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it took place in

Focuses on the occurrence of an event in a specific location or time, rather than the setting of a narrative.

it is situated in

Emphasizes the physical location or placement of something.

it is located in

Highlights the geographical position or site of an object or event.

it is based in

Suggests a central operating location or origin.

it unfolds in

Implies a progression of events within a particular context.

it is staged in

Refers to a performance or presentation occurring in a certain setting.

it is framed in

Suggests a specific perspective or context is applied to the narrative.

it is scheduled in

Highlights the planned occurrence within a given time frame.

it is fixed in

Focuses on an unchangeable setting or context.

it is established in

Denotes the founding or beginning of something in a particular location or time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was set in" is used to describe the location or time period in which a story, film, or event takes place. For example, "The novel "it was set in" 1920s Paris" indicates the story's time and place.

What are some alternatives to "it was set in"?

You can use alternatives like "it took place in", "it is located in", or "it is based in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was set at" instead of "it was set in"?

While "it was set in" refers to the location or time period, "it was set at" typically refers to a specific value, target, or point. So, "it was set in" is generally more appropriate when discussing the setting of a story or event.

What's the difference between ""it was set in"" and "it is set in"?

""it was set in"" indicates that the story, film, or event took place in the past. In contrast, "it is set in" implies that the setting is current or ongoing.