set myself up

USAGE SUMMARY

"set myself up" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to mean to arrange something in advance or to make preparations. Example sentence: "I decided to set myself up for success by setting goals and making a plan to achieve them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian

The New York Times

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why set myself up to fail?

Independent

Why set myself up for failure?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've set myself up well.

The New York Times - Sports

Oh dear, I set myself up for that, didn't I?

The New York Times - Books

Maybe I should set myself up as an independent forecaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm not gonna set myself up in that way.

The Guardian - Film

So I don't set myself up for that failure.

The New York Times

He told me, "I could have set myself up as a guru figure.

The New Yorker

I wasn't trying to set myself up as the best chef in the city.

The New York Times

I don't want to set myself up as some colonial pioneer.

The Guardian - Books

I thought fuck me, now I've set myself up for it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set myself up", consider the context to ensure it clearly communicates your intention. Be specific about what you are setting up for, whether it's for success, failure, or a particular situation. Adding context enhances clarity.

Common error

While "set myself up" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound informal. Consider using more professional alternatives like "prepare," "establish," or "arrange" depending on the intended meaning. Balance informal and formal vocabulary to suit your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set myself up" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's used to indicate the act of preparing or arranging oneself for a specific purpose, situation, or outcome, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set myself up" is a very common and versatile verb phrase used to express the act of preparing or arranging oneself for a specific purpose or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to more formal business settings, indicating a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, be mindful of your intended meaning and the overall tone of your writing. Consider alternatives like "prepare myself" or "position myself" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare myself

Focuses on the act of getting ready, emphasizing mental and physical preparation.

position myself

Highlights placing oneself strategically, either physically or figuratively, for an advantage.

arrange things for myself

Emphasizes the act of organizing or planning in advance for personal benefit or convenience.

lay the groundwork for myself

Implies creating a foundation or initial steps to ensure future success or achievement.

get myself ready

A more general term for preparing oneself, suitable for a wider range of contexts.

establish myself

Focuses on creating a stable or recognized position, often in a professional or social context.

gear myself up

Suggests mentally and emotionally preparing for a challenging or significant event.

prepare the way for myself

Indicates clearing obstacles or making conditions favorable for future progress.

make arrangements for myself

Similar to "arrange things for myself" but can also imply formal or official preparations.

build a foundation for myself

Focuses on long-term planning and creating a secure or stable base for future endeavors.

FAQs

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

You can use "set myself up" to describe preparing for a situation, like: "I decided to "set myself up" for success by creating a detailed plan."

What does "set myself up" mean?

"Set myself up" generally means to prepare or arrange something in advance, often for a specific purpose or outcome.

Which is correct, "set myself up for success" or "set myself for success"?

"Set myself up for success" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Set myself for success" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "set myself up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prepare myself", "position myself", or "arrange things for myself".