set about preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

"set about preparing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating the initiation of a task or activity, particularly in a deliberate or organized manner. Example: "After the meeting, she set about preparing the presentation for the conference." Alternative expressions include "began preparing" and "started to prepare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Then they set about preparing for January's two-week shoot.

The Guardian - Film

I thus set about preparing myself for a job in investment banking.

The Economist

It set about preparing an initial public offering while also seeking a full sale.

The Washington Post

It all started in 2008, then they set about preparing the ground".

The Guardian

Left to run free, some inmates attacked the segregated prisoners, but the main players set about preparing for the siege.

The Guardian

One house they furnished with pieces from the big house and rented out; the other they rented out for a while, then set about preparing for themselves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

After sampling the meal, he sets about preparing an alternative.

The New York Times

The sisters' apprehension only increases as Babette sets about preparing the meal.

University of Chicago

She sets about preparing dinner for her own family.

Unicef

One of Nikolai's tasks is to dispose of evidence, and he sets about methodically preparing a frozen body by first stubbing out a cigarette on his tongue.

The Guardian - Film

My mind-set was about preparing, being confident and enjoying the games.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the preposition "about" is followed by the gerund form (-ing) rather than the infinitive to maintain grammatical correctness.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using the infinitive form after the phrasal verb, such as saying "set about to prepare". In modern English, "set about" requires the gerund form to function as the object of the preposition "about". Always stick to "set about preparing" to ensure your writing sounds natural and correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set about preparing" functions as a phrasal verb followed by a gerund. The phrasal verb "set about" means to start doing something, especially in an organized or determined way. In this structure, "preparing" acts as the direct object of the preposition "about". According to Ludwig AI, this pattern is standard and widely accepted in professional writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "set about preparing" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the transition from thought to action. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across high-authority sources, particularly in journalism and historical accounts. It is characterized by its use of the gerund following the phrasal verb, a rule that writers should follow to avoid common errors. Whether you are writing a news report or an academic essay, this phrase adds a layer of deliberation and purpose to your descriptions of starting a task. It stands as a sophisticated alternative to simpler verbs like "started" or "began", providing a more nuanced look at how activities commence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began preparing

A more direct and common way to express the start of preparation

started to prepare

Uses the infinitive form, making it slightly more casual

commenced preparation

More formal tone, suitable for academic or official reporting

undertook the task of preparing

Emphasizes the responsibility or effort involved in the process

got to work on preparing

More idiomatic and informal, suggesting immediate physical action

proceeded to prepare

Suggests a step in a sequence of events already underway

made a start on preparing

Focuses specifically on the initial moment of starting

addressed the task of preparing

Implies a focused or problem-solving approach to the preparation

embarked on preparing

Suggests the start of a longer or more significant project

initiated the process of preparing

Very formal and technical, often used in business or science

FAQs

How to use "set about preparing" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the start of an activity. For example: "The chef "set about preparing" the five-course meal early in the morning."

What can I say instead of "set about preparing"?

Depending on the tone, you can use "began preparing" for general use, or "commenced preparation" for a more formal context.

Is it "set about preparing" or "set about to prepare"?

The correct form is ""set about preparing"". Using the infinitive "to prepare" after "set about" is generally considered non-standard in contemporary English.

What's the difference between "set about preparing" and "started preparing"?

"started preparing" is more common and simple, while ""set about preparing"" often implies a more deliberate, organized or determined start to the work.