set out on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of a journey, task, or endeavor. Example: "After months of planning, we finally set out on our road trip across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I set out on my walk home.

The New Yorker

I set out on a long journey.

The New Yorker

Now he set out on foot.

The New Yorker

They set out on the same course.

The New York Times

After a few years, he set out on his own.

The New York Times

The two then set out on a madcap road trip.

The New York Times - Books

I set out on this road out of curiosity".

The New York Times

Together, then, they set out on the historic mission.

The New Yorker

Mr. Armitage set out on his walk in July 2010.

The New York Times - Books

According to Washington, he and Hood set out on foot.

The New Yorker

They set out on foot, walking along the highway.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out on", ensure the context clearly indicates a journey, task, or endeavor that is being initiated. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid substituting "on" with other prepositions such as "in" or "for". "Set out on" is the correct idiomatic form. For example, it is incorrect to say "set out in a journey" or "set out for a journey".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "set out on" functions primarily as a dynamic verb indicating the initiation of a journey, task, or endeavor. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in signifying the start of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set out on" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to indicate the beginning of a journey, task, or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Analysis of example sentences reveals its prevalent use in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "embark on" or "begin" exist, "set out on" effectively conveys the initiation of a specific activity or path. It's important to maintain correct prepositional usage and ensure the context clearly indicates a journey or undertaking for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on

Implies a formal or significant undertaking, suggesting a deliberate and purposeful start.

head off on

Specifically refers to the start of a journey or trip, often with a sense of adventure.

start on

Similar to "begin", but specifically indicating the initiation of a particular activity or task.

commence

A more formal alternative to "begin", suggesting a structured or ceremonial start.

begin

A general term for starting something, lacking the directional implication of "set out on".

launch into

Suggests an energetic and enthusiastic start, often implying immersion in the activity.

get going on

An informal way to describe starting something, suggesting a casual and practical approach.

take up

Implies starting something new, often a hobby or interest, and committing time to it.

kick off

Suggests an informal beginning, often used in project management or sports contexts.

move forward with

Indicates progress and advancement after initial planning, less about starting and more about continuing.

FAQs

How to use "set out on" in a sentence?

The phrase "set out on" typically indicates the commencement of a journey, task, or endeavor. For example: "After months of planning, we finally "set out on" our road trip across the country."

What can I say instead of "set out on"?

You can use alternatives like "embark on", "begin", or "commence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "set out on a journey" or "set out for a journey"?

"Set out on a journey" is the correct idiomatic expression. "Set out for a journey" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "set out on" and "embark on"?

While both phrases indicate starting something, "set out on" often implies a physical journey or a clearly defined path, whereas "embark on" tends to suggest a more formal or significant undertaking.