set it down

USAGE SUMMARY

"set it down" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when instructing someone to place something on a surface. For example, "Please set it down on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don's cup made a little clatter as he set it down in its saucer.

The New Yorker

Set it down for a few hours and it reverts back to its "neutral" shape.

The New York Times - Magazine

We set it down".

The Guardian - Music

I've set it down word for word.

The New Yorker

I just set it down five minutes ago.

The New Yorker

He set it down in the center of our table.

The New York Times - Food

I gathered our masks into the duffel and set it down at Neal's feet.

The New Yorker

She got a plate from the cupboard, set it down in front of him.

The New Yorker

He then marked it, set it down again and waited too long again.

The New York Times

He took his sleeping bag into the church and set it down in the back row.

The New Yorker

"The value of a diary is you set it down as you see it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set it down", ensure the context clearly indicates where the object is being placed. For example, "Set it down on the table" provides more clarity than simply "Set it down".

Common error

Avoid using "set it down" when the reader might not know what "it" refers to. Always ensure the pronoun has a clear antecedent to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set it down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb used to instruct or describe the action of placing an object onto a surface. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

43%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set it down" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe or instruct someone to place an object on a surface. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, as supported by its frequent appearance in news media and how-to guides. For clarity, it's best to specify the destination (e.g. "set it down on the table"). While "put it down" is a close synonym, "set it down" can sometimes imply a more deliberate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place it down

Replaces "set" with "place", emphasizing the action of putting something in a specific location.

put it down

Uses the more general verb "put" instead of "set", maintaining the core meaning of placing an object.

lay it down

Suggests a more gentle or careful placing of the object.

lower it down

Highlights the action of bringing something to a lower position before placing it.

rest it down

Emphasizes providing support or a resting place for the object.

deposit it

Implies a more formal or deliberate act of placing the object.

leave it

Focuses on the act of ceasing to hold the object, implying it remains where it is placed.

release it

Highlights the act of letting go, allowing the object to fall or settle.

situate it

Indicates carefully choosing a location to place the object.

position it

Focuses on the precise arrangement or alignment of the object as it is placed.

FAQs

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

You can use "set it down" to instruct someone to place an object on a surface, as in, "Please "set it down" gently on the table".

What can I say instead of "set it down"?

You can use alternatives like "place it down", "put it down", or "lay it down" depending on the context.

Is "set it down" formal or informal?

"Set it down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and professional contexts without sounding out of place.

What's the difference between ""set it down"" and "put it down"?

While both phrases are very similar, "set it down" can imply a slightly more careful or deliberate action than "put it down", which is more general.