set in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set in" is a commonly used and accepted phrase in written English.
It is usually used when referring to a specific time period or situation becoming established and unchanging. For example: "The economic recession that started in 2008 has now firmly set in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Monotony set in.

The New York Times

Confusion set in early.

Independent

A reaction set in.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Doubt set in.

The New York Times

But disillusionment set in.

The Economist

Reality quickly set in.

The New York Times - Sports

It's set in concrete".

The New Yorker

Irrationality set in.

The New York Times

set in Queens.

The New Yorker

Donor fatigue set in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Fatigue set in," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set in" to describe the onset of a state, condition, or feeling, particularly when it develops gradually over time. For example, "After the rain stopped, a feeling of tranquility set in."

Common error

Avoid using "setting" when you mean "set in" to describe the beginning of something. "Setting" implies the action of placing something, while "set in" describes the establishment of a state or condition. For example, use "Panic set in" not "Panic was setting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set in" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement or establishment of a state, feeling, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "set in" describes the onset of various phenomena, from emotions to weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "set in" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the commencement or establishment of a state, condition, or feeling. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various levels of formality. While versatile, it's important to avoid confusing it with "setting" and to use the correct past participle form, which is "set". By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively use "set in" to convey the onset of different phenomena in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become established

Focuses on the establishment aspect, implying something is now firmly in place.

take hold

Emphasizes the gaining of influence or control.

begin to prevail

Highlights the increasing dominance or commonality of something.

start to kick in

Implies the commencement of an effect or influence.

become ingrained

Suggests something has become deeply rooted or embedded.

be initiated

Emphasizes the commencement or starting point of a process.

get underway

Focuses on the beginning of a process or activity.

be fixed

Highlights the state of being permanently placed or decided.

materialize

Suggests the actualization or realization of something.

ensue

Highlights what follows as a consequence or result.

FAQs

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

You can use "set in" to describe the beginning or establishment of something, such as a feeling, trend, or condition. For example, "After sunset, a chill set in", or "Once the initial excitement wore off, boredom "set in"".

What's a more formal way to say "set in"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "became established", "commenced", or "took hold" as more formal alternatives to "set in". These options can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Is it correct to say "setted in" instead of "set in"?

No, "setted" is not the correct past participle of "set". The correct form is "set". Therefore, the correct phrase is "set in". For example, "The trend has "set in"" is correct.

What's the difference between "set in" and "setting in"?

"Set in" is the past tense and past participle, used to describe something that has already begun or become established. "Setting in" is the present participle, indicating that something is in the process of beginning. For example, "Winter has "set in"" versus "Winter is "setting in"".