it was set out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was set out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been clearly defined, explained, or arranged in a particular way. Example: "In the report, it was set out that the project would take six months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was set out family style.

The New York Times - Magazine

The design of the RSIP was more effective than it was set out to do.

Yale University

It was set out directly to attack a "big player", she says, hinting at Microsoft.

The Guardian

It was set out about 60 years ago when a compromise needed to be found between Catholics who advocated freedom of religion in instruction and their opponents – socialists, communists and liberals – who supported secular state education.

The Guardian

In the meantime, everyone from Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger to Wal-Mart and Pepsi has ended operations in Burma, and the N.L.D.'s policy of discouraging visitors to the country has not wavered since it was set out by Aung San Suu Kyi, in 1995: "We think it's too early for either tourists or investment or aid..

The New Yorker

On Thursday, the organization filed a lawsuit against the N.S.A., calling for the release of information about the agency's role as it was set out in National Security Presidential Directive 54/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 23, a classified 2008 order issued by President George W. Bush dealing with cybersecurity and surveillance.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's been seemingly forever since GoPro first let slip that it was setting out to work on its own drone.

TechCrunch

The work at Natanz is indistinguishable from what Iran would do if it was setting out to get 90%-enriched uranium for a bomb.

The Economist

Which is a pretty strong diss to a council that said it was setting out to make things more equal.

Vice

The evidence is very voluminous, and it is not necessary that it be set out or epitomized in this opinion.

Cornell University

That would be difficult enough even if it were set out in law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "it was set out", ensure that the context provides sufficient information about who or what did the setting out, either explicitly or implicitly.

Common error

Avoid using "it was set out" when active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "It was set out in the contract..." consider "The contract set out...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was set out" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (a plan, rule, or explanation) was arranged or presented in a specific way. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was set out" is a passive construction used to indicate that something was arranged, explained, or defined in a specific manner. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. While it is not incorrect, users should consider if an active voice construction would create a more direct and efficient message. Some related phrases that could replace the phrase are "it was defined" or "it was arranged".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was laid out

This is a phrasal verb that means to arrange or display things in a particular way, often for examination or use.

it was established

Replaces "set out" with a more formal term, focusing on the act of creation or foundation.

it was defined

Emphasizes the act of clarifying or specifying something.

it was formulated

Indicates that something was carefully created or prepared.

it was stipulated

Highlights a specific requirement or condition that was clearly stated.

it was determined

Highlights that something was decided or established after consideration.

it was arranged

Focuses on the act of organizing or planning something.

it was instituted

This alternative places more emphasis on the official implementation or start of something.

it was presented

Emphasizes the act of showing or displaying something.

it was prescribed

Implies a more authoritative or mandatory setting of rules or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was set out" to describe how something was arranged, explained, or defined. For instance, "It was set out in the guidelines that all submissions must be original".

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

Alternatives include "it was defined", "it was stipulated", or "it was laid out", depending on the context.

Is "it was set out" formal or informal?

"It was set out" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts, often used in reports, legal documents, or official communications.

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

"It was set out" refers to something that was arranged or defined in the past, while "it is set out" refers to something that is currently arranged or defined. For example, "It was set out last year" vs. "It is set out in the current regulations".