it was set in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was set in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the initiation of a process, event, or action that has begun or been triggered. Example: "Once the agreement was signed, the project was set in motion, and the team began their preparations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

While the United States voiced its disappointment with the Taiwanese move after it was set in motion last week, it is unlikely to have adverse consequences on relations — including American arms sales to the island.

The New York Times

It was set in motion from 2013.

The Economist

It was set in motion after it emerged in January that the IPCC's 2007 report included false information stating that Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2035.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama called President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan to tell him about the strike after it was set in motion, and his advisers called their Pakistani counterparts.

The New York Times

It's a modest fund-raiser, a comedy show being held this weekend, and it was set in motion by Veronica Ronan of Holmdel.

The New York Times

Just one example of how the vote could be compromised: we are in the midst of investigating an attempted purge of the attorneys general which looks as if it was set in motion for partisan reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's set in motion when the program detects a difference between how much destruction is expected when using a particular weapon and how much actually occurs.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's set in motion when a young girl Amelia, or Amy, Dabney (Oona Laurence)—picking mushrooms in the woods finds a Union soldier, Corporal John McBurney Colin Farrelll), hiding in the bushes; he is unable to walk, owing to a serious leg wound.

The New Yorker

It is set in motion in a boost converter power stage, using a maximum current control, with constant off time in the power switch, and continuous or discontinuous mode of operation depending on the current value required.

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

According to the deflationistas, as they are nicknamed, a new round of stimulus spending by Washington is urgently required to stave off a Depression-like cycle of falling prices and wages that is difficult to reverse once it is set in motion.

The New York Times

The female contributes what might be called 'prepared matter'; all it needs is the presence within it of the heat from the male and it begins a more or less lengthy and complicated developmental process, which he analogizes to a sort of automaton performing a complex set of coordinated movements once it is set in motion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was set in motion" to describe the initiation of a process or event, particularly when the cause is less important than the resulting action. For example, "Once the funding was secured, the project "it was set in motion"".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it was set in motion" can sometimes sound passive or indirect. In formal writing, consider using more active and direct verbs to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The investigation "it was set in motion"", try "The police initiated the investigation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was set in motion" functions as a passive construction indicating the commencement of an action or process. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was set in motion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively describes the beginning of a process or event. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, shows that while the phrase is versatile, it is best suited for contexts where the initiation of an action is the primary focus. Alternatives like "it was initiated" or "it was started" may provide more direct and active phrasing depending on the specific writing context. It is particularly prevalent in news, science, and academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initiated

Focuses on the start of something, similar to the original phrase but more direct.

it was started

A more basic and straightforward way to express the beginning of something.

it was triggered

Suggests a specific event caused the action, adding a sense of causality.

it was commenced

A more formal and less common alternative, emphasizing the official beginning.

it was launched

Implies a more deliberate and planned beginning, often used for projects or campaigns.

it was activated

Suggests something was made functional or operational.

it was brought into being

A more elaborate way of saying something was created or started.

it was enacted

Implies that something was formally approved and put into action, often used for laws or policies.

it was instigated

Suggests that someone or something provoked the start of an action, often with negative connotations.

it was put in place

Emphasizes the establishment or introduction of a system or procedure.

FAQs

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

"It was set in motion" indicates that a process or action has begun. For example, "The plan to restructure the company "it was set in motion" after the board meeting".

What phrases are similar to "it was set in motion"?

Similar phrases include "it was initiated", "it was started", or "it was triggered", each carrying a slightly different nuance regarding the cause and nature of the beginning.

When is it best to use "it was set in motion"?

Use "it was set in motion" when you want to emphasize that a process has begun without necessarily focusing on who or what initiated it. It's suitable when the start of the action is the main point.

Is "it was set in motion" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was set in motion" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider more direct and active alternatives.