set out to

USAGE SUMMARY

"set out to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a goal, plan, or intent. For example, "We set out to build a stronger community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We set out to design it.

Cornell University

"I didn't set out to buy it.

Forbes

We set out to test this hypothesis.

BMC Psychiatry

Kodak set out to mastermind the process".

Independent

So I set out to find her.

The New York Times

First, he set out to become rich.

The Economist

I never set out to do this.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he set out to change things.

The New York Times

Tacitus set out to describe them.

The New York Times - Books

They set out to learn more.

The New Yorker

I never set out to hurt anybody.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing or reporting to show the evolution of a project from its initial conception to its results.

Common error

Avoid using "set out to" when you mean a physical location. Use "set out for" when referring to a destination (e.g., "We set out for London") and reserve "set out to" for actions and goals (e.g., "We set out to explore London").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out to" functions as a phrasal verb followed by an infinitive marker. In this construction, the verb "set" combines with the particle "out" to create a new meaning involving the start of a journey or project, while "to" introduces the purpose. According to Ludwig, it serves as an intentionality marker that frames subsequent actions as deliberate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "set out to" is a versatile and powerful phrase for describing the commencement of a purposeful journey or task. It is remarkably consistent in its usage across various high-authority domains, ranging from News & Media to Academia. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a standard way to signal intent. Whether you are describing a scientific experiment, a business venture, or a personal goal, using "set out to" helps clarify the narrative arc by defining the original mission. It remains one of the most reliable ways to convey that an outcome was not accidental but the result of a deliberate starting point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to

Focuses more on the intended target or goal rather than the act of starting

intend to

Refers to the mental state of having a plan without necessarily implying action has begun

seek to

Often used in formal contexts to describe an attempt or endeavor

strive to

Adds a connotation of great effort or struggling to achieve the goal

endeavor to

A more formal and sophisticated version of trying to achieve something

resolve to

Implies a firm decision or a level of determination

mean to

More informal and suggests intention, often used when explaining past actions

plan to

Emphasizes the preparation and organization behind the action

attempt to

Neutral term for trying, which may or may not imply the start of a journey

undertake to

Suggests taking on a formal responsibility or task

FAQs

How do I use "set out to" in a sentence?

You use it followed by a verb to show someone started a task with a specific goal. For example, "The researchers "set out to" identify the cause of the disease".

What is the difference between "set out to" and "set out for"?

The phrase "set out to" is used for actions and objectives, while ""set out for"" is used for physical destinations or time-based targets.

Is "set out to" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is widely used in academic journals and reports. However, you might also consider "aim to" or "seek to" for variety.

Can I use "set out to" in the past tense?

Yes, "set" is an irregular verb that remains the same in the past tense. You can say "They "set out to" change the world" whether you are talking about the past or the present.