set

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "set" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or adjective. Example sentence: She set her sights on becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Travel

Business

Tech

Film

Opinion

World

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a judgment on our failure to move out of the comfort zone of critiquing the Tories and instead set out a positive alternative.

The Guardian

Herne was set up in October 2011 to look into allegations made against the Met's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), including using dead children's identities and engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships.

The Guardian

"That set the tone.

The New York Times

Set aside.

The New York Times - Health

Two films received seven nominations: The Insider, the true story of a whistle-blower in the tobacco industry, and The Cider House Rules, an adaptation of the John Irving novel set in a New England orphanage.

The Guardian - Film

Cameron will also set out plans to restrict foreigners from access to social housing if they have not been resident in the UK for five years, plans widely trailed over the weekend, as well as making it easier for the NHS to claim back the costs of treating people from overseas.

The Guardian

Any comment declaring how you cast your vote will be removed by moderators owing to restrictions on polls and reporting, set out in article 66A of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

The Guardian - Opinion

Remove from the pan and set aside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(The play is set in 1934).

The New York Times

The way I figure it, the one terrorist in England with a sense of humor, a man known as Khalid the Droll, had said to the cell, 'I bet I can get them all to take off their shoes in airports.' So this prankster set up poor impressionable Reid and won his bet.

The Economist

Against this, the three options set out for debate would leave an individual paying an average £20,000-£22,500 under a basic partnership scheme, though some would pay far more; £20,000-£25,000 under a voluntary insurance scheme, though the uninsured might pay much more; and £17,000-£20,000 under a compulsory comprehensive scheme.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set" as a verb, be mindful of the specific preposition that follows to convey the intended meaning, such as "set aside" for reserving or "set up" for establishing.

Common error

Avoid using "set" as a generic verb when a more precise word would provide clarity; consider alternatives like "establish", "arrange", or "prepare" to enhance the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "set" functions as a versatile element in English, serving as a verb, noun, and adjective. It demonstrates a broad range of grammatical functions, consistent with the Ludwig AI findings. Its precise role is always defined by the context it is used in.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Business

8%

Tech

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "set" is a highly versatile term in the English language, functioning as a verb, noun, and adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is heavily context-dependent. Its widespread usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Sport and Lifestyle makes it a very common term. Understanding the subtle nuances of "set", and using specific prepositions or alternative words, allows for more precise and impactful communication. By considering the register and avoiding generic usage, writers can effectively harness the full potential of this multifaceted word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish

Focuses more on creating or founding something.

arrange

Implies a planned or organized configuration.

prepare

Emphasizes readiness or making something ready.

position

Highlights the placement or location of something.

determine

Focuses on finding out or deciding something definitively.

adjust

Implies making small changes to achieve a desired state.

compile

Suggests gathering information or items together.

locate

Highlights finding the exact place or position.

ready

Focuses on the state of being prepared or equipped.

define

Emphasizes clarifying the meaning or scope of something.

FAQs

How can I use "set" in a sentence?

You can use "set" in many ways, such as "to "set the table"", "to "set a goal"", or to describe something "set in stone".

What's the difference between "set" and "arrange"?

"Set" can mean to place something, while "arrange" implies organizing or ordering things. For example, you might "set" a vase on a table, but you "arrange" flowers in the vase.

What can I say instead of "set up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "establish", "create", or "organize" instead of "set up".

Which is correct, "set aside" or "set apart"?

Both "set aside" and "set apart" are correct, but they have different meanings. "Set aside" means to reserve something, while "set apart" means to distinguish something from others.