set off running

USAGE SUMMARY

"set off running" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something that is starting to run quickly. Example sentence: As soon as the starting gun fired, the runners set off running.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We set off running, taking refuge among the mountain's scattered ruins.

The Guardian

Wearing just socks and trainers he set off running across the playing area.

Independent

"All you could hear was this deafening noise, I just set off running towards the fans," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

The crackdown set off running street battles that spread across the nation.

Los Angeles Times

Don't set off running unless you can see the finish line.

Huffington Post

Everyone around me must have had the same fear of the buildings toppling over sideways, for on cue, we all set off, running away from the destruction as fast as our legs could carry us.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Bennett sets off running, then Lee, then a burly Steadicam operator called Eric Fletcher, the three of them a strange conga line.

The Guardian - Film

The day is good: buttery sunlight spreads across the vast swathe of sand and Sophie sets off, running up the cliff path while Maddy and I wander along the beach.

The Guardian - Travel

When Messi receives a ball and doesn't bother touching it, but just sets off running and lets it trot alongside him, he looks like a boy out with his pet dog.

The New Yorker

Spills in China have often set off runs on bottled water because of fears of contaminated supplies.

The New York Times

What followed was a frenzied effort by Hong Kong residents to pull their money out of the bank, which quickly collapsed and set off runs at other Hong Kong banks, which survived.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set off running" to describe a sudden or immediate start of running, often in response to a stimulus or event.

Common error

Avoid using "set off running" interchangeably with similar phrasal verbs like "take off" if the context requires emphasis on the running action, not just the departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set off running" functions as a verb phrase describing the initiation of a running action. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing a sudden or deliberate start to running.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Travel

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set off running" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of beginning to run, often quickly or suddenly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register and appears most frequently in News & Media sources. While there are several alternatives, such as "start running" and "take off running", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "set off running" when you want to emphasize the immediate initiation of a running action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to run

Focuses on the initiation of the act of running, simplifying the original phrase.

start running

Directly indicates the commencement of running, lacking the nuance of 'setting off'.

take off running

Implies a quick and sudden start to running, similar to the original.

dash off

Suggests a hurried departure with running, emphasizing speed.

bolt off

Emphasizes a sudden and rapid movement, similar to fleeing.

sprint away

Highlights the fast pace of the running, more specific than the original.

hurry away

Implies a quick departure, not necessarily running, but often involving it.

make a run for it

Indicates an attempt to escape by running, adding a sense of urgency.

commence running

A more formal way of saying 'start running', suitable for certain contexts.

spring into a run

Suggests an energetic and immediate transition to running.

FAQs

What does "set off running" mean?

The phrase "set off running" means to begin running, often quickly or suddenly. It implies initiating the act of running from a stationary position or as a response to something.

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

You can use "set off running" to describe someone starting to run, such as: "As soon as he saw the bear, he "set off running" into the woods."

What are some alternatives to "set off running"?

Some alternatives to "set off running" include "start running", "take off running", or "begin to run". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "set off running" formal or informal?

"Set off running" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal writing might favor "begin to run" or "commence running".