set off on a trip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'set off on a trip' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of beginning a journey. For example, "We set off on a trip to explore the countryside early that morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A few hours later, he was due to set off on a trip around the world.

The Guardian

Mrs. Clinton's comments came as she prepared to set off on a trip to Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.

The New York Times

When the war was over, he set off on a trip across Europe, his adventures meticulously captured in his surviving diary.

The Guardian

I'd set off on a trip with all the necessary visas then find myself stranded midjourney, as some offended official denied me permission to proceed.

The New York Times - Travel

He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give a series of farewell gigs in the UK.

The Guardian - Music

In The Red Car, a young woman in Queens receives the titular vehicle as her inheritance from an old boss and has to set off on a trip to San Francisco to recover it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Setting off on a trip, well, I guess I was attracted — because it's a more photographic theme — to follow the people that are alone instead of being at picnics or swimming.

The New York Times - Arts

Discussing your expectations and budget before setting off on a trip can go a long way in smoothing the ride; so we've brought you some expert advice on how to tackle the money-meets-travel issues head on.

BBC

Setting off on a trip while ill could make your health worse and hurt others around you.

HuffPost

We set off on a day trip, to find out.

The Guardian - Travel

He then set off on a bizarre trip to the Dismal Swamp, in Virginia.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set off on a trip", ensure the context clearly establishes who is beginning the journey and where they are going. This provides clarity and enhances the reader's understanding of the narrative or situation.

Common error

Avoid vague phrasing by specifying the destination or purpose of the trip. Saying "They set off on a trip" lacks impact. Instead, use "They set off on a trip to Italy" for a more descriptive and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set off on a trip" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a journey. It describes the action of starting travel, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set off on a trip" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the beginning of a journey. Ludwig's analysis and examples show that the phrase is predominantly used in news and media contexts. It is suitable for a neutral register, making it appropriate for various communication styles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a clear and direct way to communicate the start of a travel experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a journey

Focuses on the act of starting a journey, rather than the preparatory action.

embark on a voyage

Implies a longer and possibly more significant journey than "trip".

start out on a tour

Specifically refers to beginning a tour, a pre-planned itinerary.

head out for a journey

More informal way to describe starting a trip.

commence a travel

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the beginning of travel.

launch into a trip

Suggests a more energetic or spontaneous beginning.

take to the road

Emphasizes the mode of transport (road travel) and beginning the journey.

get going on an excursion

Implies a shorter, recreational trip.

kick off a tour

An informal way to describe starting a tour.

hit the road for a vacation

Combines the ideas of road travel and vacationing.

FAQs

What does "set off on a trip" mean?

The phrase "set off on a trip" means to begin a journey or travel. It describes the act of starting out towards a particular destination or purpose.

What can I say instead of "set off on a trip"?

You can use alternatives like "begin a journey", "embark on a voyage", or "head out for a journey" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "setting off on a trip"?

Yes, "setting off on a trip" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.

How to use "set off on a trip" in a sentence?

You can use "set off on a trip" to describe someone starting a journey, like "They "set off on a trip" to Europe" or "After packing their bags, they "set off on a trip" early in the morning".