set about

USAGE SUMMARY

"set about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to denote starting or beginning to do or deal with something. Example: "The team set about their task with enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He set about trying.

The Guardian

Then she set about writing history.

The New Yorker

She then set about dismantling it.

The New York Times - Arts

They set about finding new customers.

The Economist

Mr. Bronstein set about changing that.

The New York Times - Arts

They set about to change that.

The New York Times

Then they set about rearranging the facts.

The Economist

Jobs set about revitalizing the company.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So Baugh set about consolidating it.

The Economist

Buck set about restoring it to order.

The New York Times - Books

At this point, Marciano set about him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set about" to clearly indicate the commencement of an action, especially when the action involves a deliberate or planned effort. For example: "The committee set about addressing the budget deficit".

Common error

Avoid using "set about" interchangeably with phrasal verbs that have different meanings. For example, "set off" means to start a journey, not to begin a task. Using the wrong phrasal verb can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set about" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the initiation of an action or task. It is commonly used to express the beginning of a deliberate or planned effort, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples where individuals or groups "set about" tasks like writing history or restoring order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "set about" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the commencement of an action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "begin to" or "start to" exist, "set about" often implies a deliberate or planned effort. To use it effectively, avoid confusing it with other phrasal verbs and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of starting a task directly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to

Replaces "set about" with a more general term for starting something.

start to

Similar to "begin to", offering a simple alternative to indicate initiation.

commence

A more formal synonym for "begin", suitable for professional or academic contexts.

get started on

A more informal way of saying "begin", often used in casual conversation.

undertake

Implies a more significant or complex endeavor than simply beginning.

initiate

A formal term for beginning or setting in motion.

embark on

Suggests starting a journey or project with enthusiasm and anticipation.

get down to

Focuses on starting the practical work of a task.

launch into

Implies starting something with energy and purpose.

take up

Suggests beginning a new activity or interest.

FAQs

How to use "set about" in a sentence?

"Set about" is used to describe the act of beginning or starting to do something. For instance, "She set about organizing her files" indicates she started the process of organizing.

What can I say instead of "set about"?

You can use alternatives like "begin to", "start to", or "commence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "set about" doing something or "set out" to do something?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Set about" implies starting a task directly, while "set out" implies having an intention or goal. For example, "She set about cleaning the house" versus "She set out to become a doctor."

What's the difference between "set about" and "get around to"?

"Set about" implies immediate action, while "get around to" suggests delaying something and eventually doing it. "He set about fixing the car" means he started immediately. "He finally got around to fixing the car" implies he delayed it.