set on leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

"set on leaving" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to be determined or resolute about leaving a particular situation or place. Example: The employees were set on leaving the company after the CEO refused to address their concerns. In this sentence, "set on leaving" expresses the employees' strong determination to leave the company because of the CEO's actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Again, a family are set on leaving town, and again a dark secret disrupts their plans.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it is clear that, however much the British public grumbles about Brussels, it is not set on leaving.

The Economist

That followed reports last month that the former Barcelona manager is set on leaving Germany because he would like "a change of scenery".

The Guardian - Sport

Although it hadn't officially been announced, Spieth was set on leaving the University of Texas at midyear when he entered P.G.A. Tour qualifying — the final Q-School to send top finishers directly to the big stage.

The New York Times - Sports

Paris Saint-Germain are also very keen on Lewandowski, especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic seemingly set on leaving the French capital with a move to Major League Soccer on the cards.

Independent

When his old partner Trevor, a sociopath who bakes meth out in the desert, turns up in town, the two join forces with a young black kid, Franklin, who's set on leaving his gang-infested neighbourhood behind.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She had raised me and my brother by herself, she had worked three jobs until she could buy this house we lived in, she had survived being abandoned by my father, she had come from Santo Domingo all by herself, and as a young girl she'd been beaten, set on fire, left for dead.

The New Yorker

Set an early time limit on leaving.

WikiHow

Heidi Geier, general manager of the 100-suite hotel, said Mr. Downey had checked in on Wednesday night and was set to leave on Sunday.

The New York Times

And Mr. Bush is set to leave on Saturday for four weeks on his beloved Texas ranch, with its spacious pool and private fishing pond.

The New York Times

He was set to leave on Sunday for a permanent exile in South Africa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set on leaving" to clearly convey a firm decision and intention to depart, avoiding ambiguity about the person's resolve.

Common error

Avoid using "set on leaving" when the decision is not fully confirmed or when there is still room for negotiation; the phrase implies a high degree of certainty and determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set on leaving" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state of being determined or resolved to depart. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it describes a person's firm intention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set on leaving" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that conveys a strong intention to depart. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered appropriate for written English. It functions as a prepositional phrase, adding detail about someone's determination. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the decision is indeed firm, as it implies a high degree of certainty. Alternative phrases like "determined to leave" or "intent on departing" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to leave

Focuses on the determination aspect, emphasizing resolve.

intent on departing

Uses a more formal synonym for 'leaving', highlighting intention.

resolved to exit

Emphasizes a firm decision to leave a situation.

bent on quitting

Implies a strong, perhaps stubborn, desire to leave.

hell-bent on departing

Adds intensity, suggesting a reckless determination to leave.

dead set on going

Emphasizes inflexibility in the decision to leave.

insistent on exiting

Highlights the persistence in wanting to leave.

eager to get away

Conveys enthusiasm for leaving, a desire to escape.

planning to abscond

Indicates a secret and sudden departure, often to avoid something.

aiming to bail

An informal expression for leaving abruptly.

FAQs

How can I use "set on leaving" in a sentence?

You can use "set on leaving" to indicate someone's strong determination to depart from a place or situation. For example, "Despite the counter-offers, she was "set on leaving" the company."

What are some alternatives to "set on leaving"?

Alternatives include "determined to leave", "intent on departing", or "resolved to exit", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "set on leaving" formal or informal?

"Set on leaving" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist if a very elevated register is required.

What's the difference between "set on leaving" and "thinking about leaving"?

"Set on leaving" implies a firm decision and intention, while "thinking about leaving" suggests consideration without a definite plan. The former conveys certainty; the latter, uncertainty.