set out on a quest

USAGE SUMMARY

'set out on a quest' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe beginning a journey or task with a goal at the end. For example, "The brave adventurers set out on a quest to find the enchanted artifact deep in the forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

From there, we set out on a quest to get 100 photographs of Amanda, with the hope of one day putting together an exhibition.

Vice

I've set out on a quest to try to improve how we fight as a family.

The New York Times

Dr. Eisenberg, a general practitioner with no particular expertise in research or dermatology, set out on a quest to save his son.

The New York Times

Adam and Neil Pearson, identical twins who share the same genetic disease, neurofibromatosis 1 (Nf1), set out on a quest to find out why they have different symptoms.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He set out on a quest to find a table scaled to match the couch, he said, and eventually bought "a behemoth of a coffee table that weighs 300 pounds".

The New York Times

Finding it inspired her to set out on a quest to find the owner and return his missing childhood, as part of her project to do good works for everyone she meets.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The characteristic Kiarostami hero is a man who sets out on a quest and arrives nowhere.

The New Yorker

Janine junks her job as a maths lecturer and sets out on a quest for answers.

The Guardian

When his beloved friend dies, Gilgamesh sets out on a quest for immortality.

The New York Times

Stranded in Geneva, she sets out on a quest to learn French (he speaks English).

The Guardian - Books

Natasha Davidson's determined Gerda sets out on a quest to find him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set out on a quest" to vividly depict the start of an ambitious journey, particularly when emphasizing the exploratory and purposeful nature of the undertaking.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "set out on a quest" in your writing. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms such as "embark on a journey" or "begin an expedition" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out on a quest" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a journey or undertaking with a specific objective. It often describes the beginning of an adventurous or challenging pursuit. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set out on a quest" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of beginning a journey or undertaking something significant, often with a sense of adventure or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedia sources, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "embark on a journey" or "begin an expedition" exist, understanding the subtle nuances of each helps to enrich writing. When using the phrase, consider its potential for overemphasis and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your text. According to Ludwig, using the phrase correctly and appropriately can enhance the narrative and descriptive impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a journey

Focuses on the beginning of a physical journey; less specific to a goal.

begin an expedition

Implies a more organized and exploratory nature of the journey.

start a pilgrimage

Suggests a journey with a spiritual or deeply meaningful purpose.

undertake a mission

Highlights a specific task or assignment with a defined objective.

launch an endeavor

Emphasizes the initiation of a challenging and significant undertaking.

commence a search

Focuses on the initiation of a search with a goal.

take up a challenge

Highlights the acceptance and beginning of a difficult task or problem.

kick off an initiative

Suggests the start of a formal or organized project or plan.

start pursuing a dream

Implies the commencement of efforts toward achieving a personal aspiration.

set forth on an adventure

Emphasizes the excitement and unpredictability of the journey.

FAQs

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

You can use "set out on a quest" to describe starting a journey or undertaking something significant, for example: "The researchers "set out on a quest" to find a cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to "set out on a quest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "embark on a journey", "begin an expedition", or "undertake a mission", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "set out on a quest" formal or informal?

"Set out on a quest" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it can lend a slightly dramatic flair to the text. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

Can "set out on a quest" be used in a business context?

While typically used in more narrative or descriptive contexts, "set out on a quest" can be adapted for business writing to describe an ambitious project or goal, for example, "The company "set out on a quest" to revolutionize the industry".