set it right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set it right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to correcting a mistake or making something correct or proper. Example: "After realizing the error in the report, I knew I had to set it right before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

We learn, ultimately, that it was Ella who set Felpo off, though Davey is too subtle a writer to suggest that one mistake can destroy a relationship (or that its correction could set it right).

The New York Times - Books

"You can set it right there".

The New Yorker

Set It Right is extraordinary.

The Guardian - Music

And the girlfriend problem set it right off between them.

The Guardian - Music

Employees had gotten it wrong and corporate intervention would set it right again.

The New York Times

And we did everything we could to try to correct it and set it right".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Set it right--if you can--but that is not revenge.

WikiHow

Setting it right, if it can be set right, will be the work of a generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Becker is now the acting head of this troubled office, and at her confirmation hearing last week, she failed to show that she is up to the task of setting it right.

The New York Times

The system seemed incapable of setting it right.

Forbes

Revelation is about a God who creates the world and then sets it right again.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While versatile, "set it right" can sometimes sound slightly more informal than alternatives like "rectify" or "correct".

Common error

Avoid using "set it right" in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, alternatives such as "rectify the situation" or "remedy the issue" may be more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "set it right" is that of a phrasal verb. It functions as a verb phrase where "set" is the verb and "right" modifies it. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set it right" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of correcting an error or restoring something to its proper state. Ludwig confirms its validity and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it is often considered more neutral to informal in register. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context, opting for more formal alternatives like "rectify" in professional or academic settings. This analysis aims to provide a full overview of its usage through grammatical analysis, real-world examples, and practical writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fix the error

Directly addresses the act of correcting a mistake.

rectify the problem

A more formal and direct way to express correcting something.

correct the situation

Focuses on rectifying an existing problem or error.

resolve the matter

Focuses on reaching a conclusion or solution to a problem.

remedy the issue

Suggests a more formal or professional context for addressing a problem.

right the wrong

Emphasizes correcting an injustice or immoral action.

make amends

Emphasizes repairing a wrong through compensation or apology.

straighten things out

Implies resolving a complex or confusing situation.

put it to rights

A more archaic or British English variant with similar meaning.

redress the grievance

Suggests correcting an injustice or wrong suffered by someone.

FAQs

What does "set it right" mean?

The phrase "set it right" means to correct something that is wrong or out of order, to rectify a mistake, or to restore something to its proper condition.

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

You can use "set it right" in a sentence like this: "After realizing the error, I knew I had to "set it right" before submitting the report."

What are some alternatives to "set it right"?

Some alternatives to "set it right" include "correct the situation", "remedy the issue", or "rectify the problem", depending on the context.

Is "set it right" formal or informal?

"Set it right" is generally considered to be more informal. In formal contexts, phrases like "rectify the situation" or "correct the error" might be more appropriate.