set off on date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set off on date" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "We plan to set off on our trip on the specified date."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Claire Ewers, who owns dogs Jess and Roxie, said: "When fireworks are not set off on normal dates, it is impossible to plan ahead - which means I could be at work worrying that my girls are home alone and scared, which is heart breaking.

BBC

The sonic highwaymen set off on a five-date UK tour, which includes two consecutive nights at Wembley Stadium (25 May-23 June, tour starts Stadium Of Light, Sunderland) … Do they know it's not 1999 any more?

The Guardian - Music

We set off on foot.

The Guardian - Travel

Other researchers set off on their own.

Science Magazine

Undeterred, I set off on my quest.

Huffington Post

Set off on your ride.

WikiHow

Scrubbed, combed, as tidy as two dudes setting off on a double date, they went out to the car.

The New Yorker

She sets off on an impromptu trip with no definite return date.

The Guardian - Books

He sets off on Saturday.

The Guardian

The theory that underwater landslides can set off tsunamis dates back more than a century.

The New York Times - Science

One morning she was set off by Julie, a 37-year-old mother of two children who sought advice on whether to date a sometime sex molester.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific date of departure, ensure that the preposition "on" is followed by a definite article or possessive pronoun to clarify the date. For example, use "set off on the date" or "set off on our date" to improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "set off on date" without specifying which date is being referred to. This omission can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Always specify the date with an article or possessive pronoun, e.g., "set off on the agreed date".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set off on date" functions as an incomplete idiomatic expression indicating the commencement of a journey or activity. However, it requires a determiner (e.g., 'the', 'a', 'that') before "date" to be grammatically correct. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase lacks clarity without additional context.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set off on date" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English due to the lack of a determiner before "date". While the intended meaning is generally understood to convey the start of a journey or activity on a specific date, it requires clarification to be grammatically sound. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase needs additional context to improve its clarity. To use the phrase correctly, include articles or possessive pronouns such as "the", "a", or "our" before "date" (e.g., "set off on the date"). Alternatives like "depart on a specific date" or "leave on a certain date" may provide better clarity and formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave on a certain date

Substitutes "set off" with "leave" which is a simpler and more common alternative.

depart on a specific date

Replaces "set off" with the more formal "depart" and uses "a specific date" for clarity.

begin the journey on date

Replaces "set off" with "begin the journey" to emphasize the start of a trip.

commence travel on date

Uses "commence travel" for a more formal and emphatic start to traveling.

schedule departure for date

Focuses on the act of scheduling the departure rather than the departure itself.

arrange to leave on date

Highlights the arrangement aspect of leaving on a particular date.

plan to set out on date

Emphasizes the planning aspect of beginning a journey.

start the expedition on date

Replaces "set off" with "start the expedition" implying a more adventurous journey.

fix the departure date

Focuses on setting or determining the date of departure.

establish the leaving date

Stresses the establishment or official setting of the leaving date.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "set off on date" to be more grammatically correct?

To improve the grammar, you can say "set off on "the date"", "set off on "that date"", or "set off on "a specific date"" to make the reference clearer.

Is it appropriate to use "set off on date" in formal writing?

No, it is not appropriate for formal writing. Instead, use more precise and formal alternatives like "depart on "the specified date"" or "commence travel on "the designated date"".

What does "set off on date" mean if it's grammatically incorrect?

While grammatically incorrect, the intended meaning is likely to indicate the start of a journey or activity on a particular date. It is better to use correct phrasing such as "set off on "a particular date"".

Which is more accurate: "set off on date" or "set off on the date"?

"Set off on "the date"" is more accurate because it specifies which date is being referred to, making the sentence grammatically sound and clear.