ready to set off

USAGE SUMMARY

"ready to set off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone or something is about to begin a journey, trip, or expedition. For example: I'm feeling refreshed after a good night sleep and I'm ready to set off on my road trip around the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She was ready to set off for her second attempt but the competition was held up for the men's 3,000m steeplechase medal ceremony.

Independent

It's a sensible approach, but people who do not appear dangerous one month may be ready to set off a bomb the next month.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the trusty vaporetto is hooting its horn, ready to set off across the lagoon for the final destination, the port of Chioggia.

The Guardian - Travel

Unlike most other short-lived antibodies, IgE antibodies can hang around for years, ready to set off an allergic response the next time you are exposed to that same allergen.

The New York Times - Health

And yet here are two gentlemen, Jack Alcock and Arthur Brown, ready to set off in a modified bomber, a Vickers Vimy — "It looked as if it had borrowed its design from a form of dragonfly" — to fly the Atlantic, from St . Johns in Newfoundland all the way to Ireland.

The New York Times - Books

Addressed to Disney chairman Bob Iger, the petition reads: "Merida was the princess that countless girls and their parents were waiting for – a strong, confident, self-rescuing princess ready to set off on her next adventure with her bow at the ready.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But after a few minutes I was ready, twitchy even, to set off again.

The New York Times - Magazine

He planned to set off the bombs in Manhattan subway lines as soon as they were ready, he said.

The New York Times

If it's a bottle of soda, either allow the cap to poke through the top of the cone or build your volcano from the bottom up and, when you're almost ready to set it off, uncap it and slap on the last inch or so of the top of the mountain.

WikiHow

Be ready to set aside your ego when you step off the bus at boot camp.

WikiHow

Balitik was ready to set sail.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready to set off" to convey a sense of preparedness and imminent departure, whether for a physical journey or a metaphorical undertaking. For example: After months of planning, we are "ready to set off" on our adventure.

Common error

Avoid using "set off" in a reflexive way that implies self-ignition or triggering without an external object. For example, instead of "The bomb was ready to set off", say "The bomb was ready to be set off" or "The bomb was ready to explode."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to set off" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of preparedness and anticipation for commencing a journey or activity. As Ludwig AI states, it's a usable and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ready to set off" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a state of preparedness and imminent departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. The phrase is versatile, fitting well in both informal and moderately formal contexts. While its frequency is rated as "uncommon", its presence in authoritative sources like the New York Times and The Guardian confirms its reliability. When aiming for greater formality, alternatives such as "prepared to depart" can be considered. The key is to avoid reflexive misuses and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning of imminent commencement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepared to depart

Focuses on the action of leaving, emphasizing the state of preparation.

poised to start

Highlights the state of being balanced and ready for action.

about to commence journey

Replaces "ready" with "about to" and "set off" with "commence journey" for a more formal tone.

eager to embark

Focuses on the anticipation and excitement of beginning a journey.

geared up to leave

Emphasizes the preparation and enthusiasm for departure.

on the verge of starting

Shifts the focus to the beginning of an activity or trip.

primed to go

Suggests a state of being fully prepared and eager to start.

set to launch

Implies a more formal or significant beginning, like a project or initiative.

all set to begin

Uses a more casual tone to indicate readiness.

good to go

A short, informal way of saying that everything is ready.

FAQs

What does "ready to set off" mean?

The phrase "ready to set off" means being fully prepared and about to begin a journey, trip, or other endeavor. It implies a state of readiness and anticipation for the start of something new.

How can I use "ready to set off" in a sentence?

You can use "ready to set off" in a sentence like this: "After packing our bags and checking the map, we were finally "ready to set off" on our hiking trip."

What can I say instead of "ready to set off"?

You can use alternatives like "prepared to depart", "poised to start", or "about to begin" depending on the context.

Is "ready to set off" formal or informal?

"Ready to set off" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "prepared to depart" may be more appropriate for highly formal writing.