set out terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or outline the conditions or agreements in a formal context, such as contracts or negotiations. Example: "Before we proceed with the agreement, let's set out the terms clearly to avoid any misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The government took its time to set out terms for would-be energy firms.

The Economist

The chancellor set out terms for the UK's renegotiation of EU membership.

The Guardian - Business

BNP Paribas could set out terms for any offer for embattled rival Société Générale in May, La Tribune newspaper reported on Wednesday without saying where it got the information.

The New York Times

After his victory, he set out terms for new peace talks with the FARC guerrillas, including UN mediation.See article: Colombia's presidential electionFor the second time in less than two months, Eduardo Duhalde threatened to resign as Argentina's president because of delays in the approval of reforms required for an IMF agreement.

The Economist

Mr Straw surprised some MPs on Monday night when he set out terms that would constitute a breach of the UN's terms for Iraqi compliance with the new weapons inspection regime which sounded softer than those invoked by the prime minister or President George Bush.

The Guardian

To come up with such a position, the League's Working Committee met for four days in February 1940 to set out terms of reference to a constitutional sub-committee.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Not all people taking on PAs are wary of setting out terms and conditions.

The Guardian

However, while she says the PA wage is "fabulous", she admits she could never do the job full-time as, unlike other jobs, she does not have a formal contract setting out terms and conditions.

The Guardian

These terms and conditions for book extracts & serialisations ("Terms and Conditions") set out the terms under which you ("You") agree to grant to Guardian News & Media Limited ("GNM", "We", "Us") permission to publish the Extract(s) from the Publication.

The Guardian

Please read them carefully as they affect your rights and liabilities under law and set out the terms under which Guardian News & Media Limited ("we" or "us") makes subscriptions available to you.

The Guardian

Please read them carefully as they affect your rights and liabilities under the law and set out the terms under which Guardian News & Media Limited ("we" or "us") makes voucher and home delivery subscriptions available to you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out terms", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being specified. Be precise in your language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "set out terms" without providing sufficient detail. Clearly articulate the specifics to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out terms" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe the action of specifying, detailing, or outlining the conditions or requirements of an agreement, contract, or policy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set out terms" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys the act of specifying or outlining conditions. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts such as contracts, agreements, or policy documents. While not overly common, it is frequently seen in news and media, with some occurrences in academic and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, always provide sufficient detail when using this phrase. Alternatives such as ""specify conditions"" or ""define stipulations"" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify conditions

Focuses on making the conditions explicit and detailed.

define stipulations

Emphasizes the act of clearly defining the requirements or agreements.

stipulate provisions

Highlights the act of including specific provisions in an agreement.

lay down conditions

Suggests a more authoritative or formal setting of conditions.

establish parameters

Emphasizes the creation of boundaries or limits within which something operates.

determine requirements

Focuses on figuring out and deciding what is needed or necessary.

prescribe regulations

Implies a more formal or legal setting of rules.

outline specifications

Highlights the act of giving a detailed description of what is required.

detail the particulars

Focuses on providing all the specific details of an agreement or condition.

articulate the details

Suggests a clear and expressive communication of the specifics.

FAQs

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

You can use "set out terms" to describe the act of specifying conditions or agreements, such as "The contract will "set out terms" for payment and delivery."

What are some alternatives to "set out terms"?

Alternatives include "specify conditions", "define stipulations", or "lay down conditions", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "set out terms" or "establish conditions"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""set out terms"" is often used when providing a comprehensive overview, while "establish conditions" might be used when creating new rules or requirements.

In what context is it most appropriate to use "set out terms"?

"Set out terms" is suitable for formal contexts like contracts, negotiations, or policy documents where clarity and precision are essential.