it was set to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was set to" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: The thermostat had been set to a comfortable 72 degrees when we entered the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For the A group, it was set to its 3D mode; for the C E groups it was displaying 2D.

Ergonomics

Columbus hoped to improve its image in January, when it was set to host the N.H.L. All-Star Game.

The New York Times - Sports

Among the biggest targets were about $165 million in bonuses that it was set to pay to its employees.

The New York Times

It was set to be enacted in 2015.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was set to run for 48 hours.

The New York Times

It was set to run through the 2012 London Olympics.

The New York Times

It was set to be one of those perfect nights, in fact, well before Aisha arrived.

The New Yorker

But it was set to expire at midnight Wednesday unless it is extended.

Independent

It was set to be broadcast on NDTV, not the BBC.

The New Yorker

Until the horrors of Gujarat, it was set to lose there too.

The Economist

It was set to vibrate so that he alone would know when he'd been summoned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was set to" when referring to planned events, scheduled tasks, or pre-configured settings. For clarity, ensure the context specifies who or what did the setting.

Common error

Avoid using "it was set to" when the context requires a different tense or subject-verb agreement. For example, don't use it when referring to current ongoing actions, or when the subject is plural (e.g., "they were set to").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was set to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a planned or pre-arranged action or state. It is used to describe an event, configuration, or schedule that was established in the past, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was set to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression utilized to denote a prior arrangement or configuration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples from diverse sources. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for professional and general communication. When using "it was set to", ensure the tense and subject-verb agreement are correct and consider alternatives like "it was scheduled for" or "it was intended to" for nuanced meanings. Avoid its usage when a different tense or subject is required. Overall, the phrase "it was set to" is a valuable tool for clearly expressing past arrangements and plans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was scheduled for

Focuses specifically on the scheduling aspect of the original phrase, emphasizing the time element.

it was programmed to

Implies a pre-determined action or sequence, often used in technical contexts.

it was intended to

Highlights the intention or purpose behind the planned action.

it was arranged to

Emphasizes the arrangement or preparation involved in the planned event.

it was configured for

Highlights the configuration or setup for a specific outcome.

it was designed to

Focuses on the design or purpose of the planned action.

it was poised to

Indicates readiness or imminence of the planned event.

it was on track to

Indicates progress towards a pre-determined goal or event.

it was slated to

Emphasizes a formal scheduling of an event.

it was supposed to

Suggests an expectation or plan, sometimes implying that the plan may not have been fulfilled.

FAQs

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

Use "it was set to" to describe something that was arranged, scheduled, or configured to happen. For instance, "The meeting "it was set to" begin at 9 AM."

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

You can use alternatives such as "it was scheduled for", "it was intended to", or "it was programmed to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was set to" or should I use another phrasing?

"It was set to" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its appropriateness depends on the specific context and the intended meaning. Ensure the subject and verb agree and the tense is consistent with the rest of your writing.

What is the difference between "it was set to" and "it is set to"?

"It was set to" refers to a past arrangement or configuration, while "it is set to" refers to a present or future arrangement. For example, "The timer was set to go off at noon" (past) versus "The timer is set to go off at noon" (present/future).