set out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the act of presenting, explaining, or outlining something, such as a plan or a set of instructions. Example: "In this report, we will set out our findings and recommendations for improving the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He set out five rules.

The Economist

I set out the Riedels.

The New York Times

"I don't set out to offend".

The New York Times

I don't set out to experiment.

The New Yorker

She set out to analyze the omissions.

The New York Times - Books

We set out to win the Ashes.

Independent

I set out to find him.

The New York Times

Kodak set out to mastermind the process".

Independent

Pearson set out some traps.

Science Magazine

You set out for India.

Forbes

He set out to test that hypothesis.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out" to mean 'begin a journey', ensure the context clearly indicates movement or travel. For example: "They set out early to avoid traffic."

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within a sentence when using "set out". Maintain consistent tense to ensure clarity. For example, instead of "He sets out yesterday", use "He set out yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "set out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb when indicating the commencement of a journey or activity. Ludwig highlights examples where it means to begin a trip (Tomorrow we set out for America) or to start an activity (Many young people set out to change the world). It also acts as a transitive verb when it means to explain or detail something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

31%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "set out" is a versatile term that can mean to begin a journey, start an activity, or explain something clearly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media, as well as in wiki and science contexts. When writing, be mindful of the intended meaning and maintain consistent tense. For alternatives, consider "begin journey", "start off", or "lay out", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start out

Similar to "set out", emphasizing the initial stages of an endeavor.

start off

Indicates the beginning of an activity or journey, similar to "set out" in its initial phase.

take off

Used to describe departing on a journey or starting something new, often implies leaving a place.

lay out

Emphasizes the arrangement or presentation of items or plans, applicable when "set out" means to display or explain.

embark on

Implies starting a significant or challenging project or journey.

spell out

Emphasizes clarifying or detailing something explicitly, applicable when "set out" means to explain clearly.

begin journey

Focuses on the commencement of a trip or expedition, emphasizing the start of travel.

get underway

Focuses on the actual starting process, particularly suitable for projects or events.

commence operations

Highlights the initiation of a planned action or task, suitable in formal settings.

launch forth

Suggests a vigorous or decisive start, often used in literary or dramatic contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "set out" in a sentence?

You can use "set out" to mean to begin a journey, as in "We "set out" for the mountains early in the morning". It can also mean to explain or describe something clearly, such as "The contract "sets out" the terms of the agreement".

What is a synonym for "set out"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "set out" include "begin journey", "start off", "lay out", or "embark on".

Which is correct, "set out" or "set off"?

"Set out" and "set off" are similar but not always interchangeable. "Set out" can mean to start a journey or to explain something, while "set off" primarily means to begin a journey or to cause something to activate.

What's the difference between "set out" and "lay out"?

"Set out" can mean to begin a journey or to describe something clearly, while ""lay out"" typically means to arrange or display something or to present a plan or idea in detail.