set me off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set me off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean that something has caused someone to become angry or upset. For example, "John's rude comments set me off, and I stormed away in a rage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They set me off the track.

The New Yorker

"That set me off," said JoAnn Brandon.

The Guardian - Film

in the fall could set me off on cue.

Princeton University

A recent experience set me off guard a bit.

Independent

"That just set me off," says Alceniour Moorer.

The Washington Post

So that set me off on a search.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are triggers that still set me off, of course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The national anthem set me off a little bit inside.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm such a daddy's girl anyway, and that completely set me off, crying.

The New York Times

What often has set me off in making a movie is a song.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'Tiredness is actually what sets me off,' Skinner notes, matter-of-factly.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set me off" to vividly describe a moment where a specific trigger led to a noticeable reaction, whether emotional, behavioral, or cognitive. This makes your writing more relatable and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "set me off" when describing physical actions like starting a journey. It's primarily used to indicate emotional or reactive triggers. For physical journeys, use phrases like "started my journey" or "embarked on a quest" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set me off" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has triggered a strong reaction in someone. This idiomatic usage is supported by Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set me off" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a trigger that causes a strong reaction, often emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with notable usage in academic and scientific contexts as well. When using "set me off", it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates a triggering event leading to a noticeable reaction. Alternative expressions like "triggered me", "caused me to react", or "sparked me" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggered me

Directly implies a triggering event, focusing on the psychological response.

caused me to react

A more formal and general way of saying something initiated a response.

sparked me

Suggests a sudden and energetic burst of reaction.

provoked me

Indicates a deliberate attempt or action that caused a reaction.

incited me

Implies a strong and often negative reaction, like anger or violence.

made me explode

Emphasizes an uncontrolled outburst of emotion.

pushed my buttons

An informal way of saying someone or something irritated you.

touched a nerve

Suggests a sensitive topic was broached, causing a reaction.

flipped a switch in me

Implies a sudden and complete change in mood or behavior.

set in motion

Describes the initiation of an action or a series of events, implying it started a cause and effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "set me off" to describe something that triggered a reaction. For example, "The rude comment completely "set me off", and I had to leave the room."

What does "set me off" mean?

The phrase "set me off" means something caused you to become angry, upset, or triggered in some way. It implies a strong reaction to a stimulus.

Which is correct, "set me off" or "set off me"?

"Set me off" is the correct phrasing. "Set off me" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternative phrases to "set me off"?

You can use alternatives like "triggered me", "caused me to react", or "sparked me" depending on the context.