set a text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of preparing or establishing a specific text for a purpose, such as a lesson or a document. Example: "For today's lesson, I will set a text that highlights the key themes of the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Lukas Foss kept a bouncy eighth-note rhythm throughout "Life's Arc," a sonnet written by his son Christopher, showing how to set a text seriously but not ponderously.

The New York Times - Arts

Publishers who, for early-marketing purposes, set a text in stone before a magazine's checking department has been through it get what they deserve.

The New Yorker

For Monkey: Journey To The West, Albarn has set a text in Mandarin Chinese and scored his music for western and Chinese instruments, plus some he has invented himself.

The Guardian

To offer a cliché: when I come to set a text or (in this case) a drama, I adjust my composing self to the meanings and resonances that it presents.

The New Yorker

The melodies were formulaic: a composer usually set a text to a traditional melody, which he then modified and adapted to the needs of the text; some melodic formulas were used exclusively at the beginning of a chant, others at endings, and others in either place.

Britannica

Users can open the About section of their profile to set a text Status, and view other people's by opening their contact when starting a new chat thread or looking at group chat info.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Instead of Christian words it sets a text from the Koran.

The New York Times - Arts

Both feature in Black Mountain Songs, for which Hecker and I collaborated on setting a text by MC Richards, another important teacher at Black Mountain.

The Guardian - Music

In 1943 he won the first Pulitzer Prize ever given in music for "A Free Song," a secular cantata setting a text by Whitman.

The New York Times - Arts

Up to a point, copying a number of books by hand took less work than setting a text for a printing press and returning every piece of type to its compartment.

Forbes

This would not only be setting a text for a great artist, but a real collaboration.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a text" in the context of music, ensure it's clear you mean composing music to accompany existing words, like a poem or script.

Common error

Avoid confusing "set a text" with phrases like "send a text", which refers to sending a message via a mobile device. Ensure the context clearly indicates establishing or assigning a written work, not digital messaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a text" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "set" acts as a transitive verb, taking "text" as its direct object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English and can be used when referring to the act of preparing or establishing a specific text for a purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set a text" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression with multiple applications. As Ludwig confirms, it's primarily used to describe the action of assigning, selecting, or adapting a text for a specific purpose, such as in education or music. While its usage spans various contexts, it's most frequently found in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources. Although there are alternative ways to convey similar meanings, understanding the appropriate context will clarify the right usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assign a text

This alternative focuses on the act of assigning a text for study or analysis.

choose a text

This alternative emphasizes the selection process of a specific text.

select a text

Similar to "choose a text", highlighting the act of picking a text.

prescribe a text

This implies a more formal or authoritative recommendation of a text, often in academic settings.

establish a text

This alternative suggests creating or defining a text as a standard.

designate a text

Implies formally naming or choosing a text for a specific purpose.

determine a text

Focuses on the process of figuring out which text is appropriate or necessary.

specify a text

This suggests clearly stating which text should be used or followed.

appoint a text

This alternative conveys a formal selection or assignment of a text.

define a text

Highlights the process of setting parameters and meaning of the content of a text.

FAQs

How can I use "set a text" in a sentence?

You can use "set a text" to describe assigning a reading material, composing music for lyrics, or defining parameters for a document. For example: "The professor will "assign a text" for next week's class."

What are some alternatives to "set a text"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""assign a text"", "choose a text", or "select a text".

Is it correct to say "set a text" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "set a text" is correct and understandable, especially when referring to assigning a specific text for study or when composing music to accompany a written work. However, other alternatives such as ""assign a text"" might be clearer depending on the context.

In what contexts is "set a text" most commonly used?

"Set a text" is frequently used in academic settings when discussing assigned readings, in musical contexts when discussing setting music to lyrics, and in technical contexts to define parameters of an established text.