set by the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set by the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a limit or boundary was imposed by a specific entity. For example: We must abide by the budget set by the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not set by the board.

The Guardian - Sport

The important directions are set by the big-ticket items.

The New York Times

Family law, by and large, is set by the states.

The New York Times

14, the deadline set by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The New York Times

Terms and conditions are set by the government.

The Guardian

The final amount will be set by the chancellor.

The Guardian

A date will be set by the independent Election Commission.

The New York Times

The example set by the US is crucial.

The Guardian - Opinion

It needs to be set by the private sector.

The New Yorker

"The agenda is going to be set by the Democrats".

The New York Times

"This was not a tone set by the secretary".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set by the", ensure the entity doing the setting is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "set by the committee" rather than just "set".

Common error

Avoid using "set by the" without explicitly mentioning who or what is doing the setting. Overlooking this can lead to confusion about responsibility and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set by the" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It indicates the agent or authority responsible for establishing a particular rule, standard, or condition. This is confirmed by Ludwig which shows numerous examples where the phrase is used to specify the entity that has set something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set by the" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that attributes responsibility or authority for establishing rules, standards, or conditions. Ludwig provides numerous examples across news, science, and formal business contexts. It is generally neutral to professional register, and while "set by the" is very common, it's crucial to specify the entity doing the setting to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "determined by" or "established by" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Determined by

This alternative uses a more direct verb choice to denote influence or control.

Established by

Suggests a more formal and official setting of something.

Decided by

This indicates that a choice or judgment has been made.

Governed by

Implies regulation or control according to a defined set of rules.

Dictated by

Suggests a strong, often unchallengeable influence or command.

Fixed by

Conveys the idea of something being immovably positioned or decided.

Regulated by

Refers to control through laws or rules, implying oversight.

Prescribed by

Implies a rule or recommendation that must be followed.

Mandated by

Indicates a formal requirement that must be obeyed.

Ordained by

Suggests a more formal and often authoritative or divine setting.

FAQs

How can I use "set by the" in a sentence?

The phrase "set by the" is used to indicate that a particular standard, rule, or condition has been established or determined by a specific entity. For example, "The deadline was "set by the" project manager."

What are some alternatives to "set by the"?

You can use alternatives like "determined by", "established by", or "decided by" depending on the specific context. For instance, "The rules are "governed by" the board".

Is it always necessary to specify who or what is setting something when using "set by the"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the entity that is setting something provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For instance, saying "The prices are "set by the" market" is clearer than simply saying "The prices are set".

What's the difference between "set by the" and "determined by"?

"Set by the" typically implies an official or formal setting of rules, conditions, or standards, whereas "determined by" suggests a broader range of influence or causation. For example, "The agenda was "set by the" committee" implies a deliberate setting, while "The outcome was "determined by" the weather" implies influence.