set about the task

USAGE SUMMARY

"set about the task" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to start or begin working on a task or project. You can use it in any situation where someone is starting to do something. Example: The team set about the task of organizing the charity event with enthusiasm and determination.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I had an inkling it wouldn't be terribly difficult to replicate these popular snacks, so we set about the task.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Eventually Sony's engineers, no doubt sighing with resignation, set about the task of designing an Aibo knockoff of their own.

The New York Times - Tech

In the workroom, the seamstresses don their white chore coats and set about the task of fabricating Woodcock's designs.

The New Yorker

In the stale warmth of the oven, Miss Frye set about the task of bathing her baby girl.

The New York Times

He set about the task with relish, discarding many candidates and earning the nickname "the Shipley Strangler".

The Guardian

The survivors reorganized into two brigades; Tom took charge of the first and set about the task of getting home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

So with Marie's blessing, we began The Downing Street Project and set about the tasks of finding, training and mentoring women to enter Parliament.

Huffington Post

The enthusiasm with which Hisham sets about the task of answering this is touching.

The Guardian - Books

When she has gathered together a chirpy band of five-, six- and seven-year-olds, she solemnly sets about the task of teaching.

The Guardian - Film

The book, for all the considerable beauties of its prose, never quite relinquishes an air of instruction, as Hickman sets about the task of reminding the senator who he really is.

The Guardian - Books

It's a measure of the remarkable lengths to which she has gone to avoid being pigeonholed, of the concentration and persistence with which she sets about the task of becoming her characters, that seeing her as a frantic, lovestruck 60-something seems not in the least unlikely.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set about the task" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and focused start to a particular job or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "set about the task" for simple, everyday actions. This phrase implies a more significant or challenging undertaking, not routine activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set about the task" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, indicating the commencement or beginning of a specific action or duty. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts, demonstrating its role in signifying the start of an undertaking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

9%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set about the task" is a grammatically sound and frequently used English phrase that denotes the beginning of a specific action or undertaking. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears across diverse sources, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral tone, it can become more formal depending on the context. When using "set about the task", it is important to consider its connotation of deliberate and focused effort, making it suitable for describing more significant or challenging responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the undertaking

Focuses on the start of a more formal or significant endeavor.

commence the project

Emphasizes the initiation of a structured and planned activity.

start the endeavor

Highlights the beginning of a challenging or ambitious effort.

undertake the job

Stresses the acceptance and commitment to a specific piece of work.

embark on the mission

Implies starting a purposeful and often challenging assignment.

get down to working on it

Suggests a more informal and practical approach to starting work.

launch into the activity

Emphasizes the energetic and immediate start of an action.

initiate the process

Highlights the beginning of a series of actions or steps.

get cracking on the assignment

Indicates an enthusiastic and quick start to a given task.

turn one's hand to the challenge

Implies applying oneself to a difficult or demanding situation.

FAQs

How can I use "set about the task" in a sentence?

You can use "set about the task" to describe the commencement of a specific duty or project. For example: "The team "set about the task" of reorganizing the office."

What are some alternatives to "set about the task"?

Alternatives include phrases like "begin the undertaking", "commence the project", or "start the endeavor", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "set about the task" or "start the task"?

"Set about the task" carries a slightly more formal tone than simply "start the task", implying a more deliberate and focused approach. "Start the task" is more neutral and commonly used.

What's the difference between "set about the task" and "get down to business"?

"Set about the task" specifically refers to starting a defined piece of work, while "get down to business" implies focusing on the essential or important aspects of a situation or venture, often after a period of distraction or delay.