set out to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out to discover" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the intention or goal of embarking on a journey or undertaking research to find out something new. Example: "The scientists set out to discover the underlying causes of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the Wellfleet I set out to discover firsthand.

The New York Times - Travel

Intrigued, the researchers set out to discover why.

The New York Times

And that was what I set out to discover.

The Guardian

"You never set out to discover something new.

The Guardian

McGrath set out to discover how many companies actually deliver.

Harvard Business Review

I set out to discover the arguments for and against.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The art historian set out to discover how the pictures were made.

The Economist

Chuck Reid and Ricky Gardner, investigators from Bedford, set out to discover what the neighbors knew.

The New Yorker

Intrigued, I set out to discover what happened to the cyberflâneur.

The New York Times

Dr Hagstrum set out to discover what it was.He had a theory.

The Economist

Then they set out to discover whether they were psychologically superior as well.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out to discover", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific goal or objective of the discovery. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.

Common error

While "set out to discover" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "tried to find out" or "looked into" when writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out to discover" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action with the intention of finding something new or previously unknown. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing research, explorations, and investigations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set out to discover" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the start of an exploratory action with the aim of finding or learning something new. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news, science, and academic writing, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. Remember to clearly define the goal of discovery and consider the formality of the context when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed to uncover

Emphasizes the intention behind the action, highlighting the desired outcome of revealing something previously hidden.

sought to find out

Focuses on the act of seeking information, implying a more investigative approach.

embarked on a quest to discover

Adds a sense of adventure and purpose to the search, suggesting a more challenging and meaningful journey.

undertook an exploration to learn

Highlights the exploratory nature of the endeavor and the intention to gain knowledge.

endeavored to ascertain

Implies a more formal and diligent effort to determine or confirm something.

tried to determine

Focuses on the attempt to establish something definitively, often through investigation or analysis.

made an effort to investigate

Emphasizes the exertion of effort in the process of systematic examination.

decided to explore

Highlights the decision to delve into something, suggesting a more open-ended approach.

resolved to unearth

Suggests a determined effort to bring something hidden to light, often implying difficulty.

commenced an inquiry to reveal

Presents the action as a formal investigation with the aim of making something known.

FAQs

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

Use "set out to discover" to describe the initiation of an investigation or exploration with a specific goal. For example, "The researchers "set out to discover" the causes of the disease".

What are some alternatives to "set out to discover"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "aimed to uncover", "sought to find out", or "tried to determine".

Is "set out to discover" formal or informal?

"Set out to discover" leans towards the formal side, making it suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "set out to discover" and "tried to find"?

"Set out to discover" implies a more deliberate and planned effort to uncover something new or unknown, while "tried to find" suggests a more general attempt to locate something, whether it's new or already known.