set in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of starting or initiating a process or action. Example: "The manager's decision to invest in new technology set in motion a series of changes within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Football cannot be set in motion artificially.

The New Yorker

It was set in motion from 2013.

The Economist

A deal was set in motion.

The New York Times

Thus the plot is set in motion.

The New York Times - Books

The first was set in motion earlier.

The Washington Post

And then events are set in motion.

The Washington Post

Thus was a tragedy set in motion.

The Washington Post

An investigation was set in motion.

The New York Times

Then you set in motion a destructive spiral".

The Guardian

He could set in motion a Labor walkout.

The New York Times

The poverty cycle for these families is set in motion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set in motion" to describe the commencement of a series of actions or events, especially when emphasizing the initial impetus or trigger. For instance, "The new policy set in motion a wave of reforms within the organization."

Common error

Avoid using "set in motion" when describing a single, isolated action. This phrase is best suited for describing the beginning of a process or chain of events, not a one-time occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set in motion" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates the action of initiating or starting something, often a series of events or a process. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set in motion" is a versatile and frequently used idiomatic expression that signifies the initiation of a process, action, or series of events. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most commonly in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While alternatives such as "initiate", "trigger", and "kick-start" exist, "set in motion" often carries a nuance of anticipated consequences following the initial action. When writing, it's important to use the expression when referring to the start of chain of events rather than isolated occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate

Focuses on the formal act of starting something, often a process or project.

trigger

Implies a reaction or chain of events that begins due to a specific cause.

spark off

Suggests a sudden and energetic beginning, often leading to rapid development.

kick-start

Indicates providing the initial impetus needed to start a process or project.

get underway

Emphasizes that something is starting to progress or advance.

launch

Refers to a formal start or introduction of something, such as a product or campaign.

set off

Suggests causing something to begin, often a chain of events or a reaction.

start up

Implies the commencement of an operation or activity.

activate

Focuses on making something operational or functional from a dormant state.

instigate

Implies causing something to happen, often something negative or controversial.

FAQs

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

The phrase "set in motion" is used to indicate the beginning of a process or series of events. For example, "The announcement "set in motion" a series of protests".

What are some alternatives to "set in motion"?

You can use alternatives such as "initiate", "trigger", or "kick-start" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "setting in motion" instead of "set in motion"?

While "setting in motion" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts (e.g. "the act of setting in motion"), "set in motion" is the more common and idiomatic phrase for indicating the start of a process.

What's the difference between "set in motion" and "put in motion"?

"Set in motion" and "put in motion" are largely interchangeable, both meaning to start or initiate something. However, "set in motion" might slightly emphasize the ensuing consequences or chain of events.