set on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a determination or intention to do something, often in the context of being focused or committed to a particular goal or plan. Example: "She is set on completing her degree by the end of the year, no matter the challenges she faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All systems appear set on go.

Huffington Post

Make sure it's set on 4 players.

WikiHow

They seemed set on staying.

The Economist

"I'm pretty set on it".

The New Yorker

One synagogue was set on fire.

The Economist

The sun never set on their empire.

The New Yorker

Hundreds of villages were set on fire.

The New York Times

A school is set on fire.

The Economist

Their houses were set on fire.

The New York Times

The Medina was set on fire.

The New York Times

Set on 23 acres of the S.M.U.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing location, use "set on" to indicate the physical placement of something. For example, "The house is set on a hill" describes its position.

Common error

Avoid using "set on" interchangeably with similar-sounding phrases like "sit on" or "sat on", as they have entirely different meanings. "Set on" implies determination or placement, while "sit on" refers to physically sitting on something.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "set on" primarily functions to express determination or fixed intention, as seen in examples like "He was set on something mustard-colored". It can also denote physical placement, such as "The house is set on a slope". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "set on" is a versatile expression used to convey determination, intention, or physical placement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. When denoting resolve, consider alternatives like "intent on" or "determined to". Remember to distinguish "set on" from similar-sounding phrases to avoid miscommunication. Overall, mastering the nuances of "set on" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to

Focuses on the resolve to achieve a goal.

intent on

Highlights the intention and purpose behind an action.

focused on

Emphasizes concentration and attention towards a specific target.

bent on

Suggests a strong inclination or determination, sometimes with a negative connotation.

resolved to

Implies a firm decision to undertake a specific course of action.

situated on

Refers to the physical location or placement of something.

located on

Similar to 'situated on', indicating a specific position.

fixed on

Indicates an unwavering focus or obsession.

hell-bent on

Suggests a reckless or unstoppable determination.

positioned on

Describes the placement of something, often in a deliberate or strategic manner.

FAQs

How can I use "set on" in a sentence to indicate determination?

To show determination, you can say, "He is "set on" completing the project despite the challenges."

What's the difference between "intent on" and "set on"?

"Set on" and "intent on" are similar, both suggesting a firm decision or purpose. However, "intent on" emphasizes the intention behind the action, while "set on" highlights the determination to achieve it.

Can "set on" be used to describe a location?

Yes, "set on" can describe location, as in, "The village is "set on" a hilltop."

What are some alternatives to ""set on"" that convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "determined to", "focused on", or "intent on", depending on the specific context.