set out to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'set out to do something' is perfectly correct and common in written English.
It is generally used to express an intention to accomplish a particular goal or objective. For example: The students had set out to explore the new land, hoping to discover something about their ancestors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

We set out to do something that would have that effect," he said.

Princeton University

"We set out to do something very simple: win on price, win on product selection and have the best possible customer experience with a team of experts that don't win unless the customer wins," Bonifacino adds.

Forbes

Pack set out to do something about it.

The Guardian

In 1989 Mr. Wynn set out to do something different.

The New York Times - Arts

Bloomberg and his administration had set out to do something about homelessness.

The New Yorker

You set out to do something, and to do it right.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Setting out to do something uplifting with narrative, as many have pointed out, often leads to nothing but boredom.

The Guardian - Film

Setting out to do something new and different is really challenging but with passion it can be the most fun you've ever had too.

HuffPost

"She sets out to do something and she does it.

The New York Times

It sets out to do something else-to ground with concrete examples a theory that the editors articulated in an earlier book.

Yale University

"Our work isn't meant to be groovy and urban; we're not setting out to do something that's the next big thing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out to do something", ensure the context clearly defines the goal or objective. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "set out to do something" when the intention is vague or lacks a defined outcome. Overusing it in ambiguous contexts weakens its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out to do something" functions as a purpose clause, indicating the intention or objective behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set out to do something" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the commencement of an action with a defined purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, alternative phrases like "intend to accomplish" or "resolve to perform" may lend a more formal tone when needed. Remember to use this phrase when the intention and objective are clearly defined, avoiding vagueness to maximize its impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set about doing something

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the commencement of activity; less common than "set out to do something".

aim to achieve something

Focuses on the goal to be reached with a slightly more formal tone.

intend to accomplish something

Emphasizes the planning and determination behind the action, using a more formal vocabulary.

undertake to do something

Highlights the commitment and responsibility involved in the action, with a more solemn tone.

embark on a mission to do something

Suggests a more challenging or significant endeavor, framing the action as a specific mission.

aspire to create something

Implies a higher level of ambition and creativity in the goal, focusing on innovative outcomes.

strive to make something

Suggests persistent effort and determination in achieving the intended outcome.

plan to execute something

Focuses on the strategic aspect and careful execution of an action.

purpose to complete something

Highlights the firm intention and resolution to finish a task.

resolve to perform something

Suggests a formal and decisive commitment to carry out an action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "set out to do something" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "intend to accomplish", "undertake to do", or "resolve to perform". These options add a layer of seriousness and commitment to your statement.

What's the difference between "set out to do something" and "try to do something"?

"Set out to do something" implies a clear intention and plan to achieve a specific goal. "Try to do something", on the other hand, suggests an attempt without a guaranteed outcome and less commitment.

Is "set out to do something" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "set out to do something" is acceptable in academic writing. However, depending on the context, more formal alternatives like "aim to achieve" or "strive to make" may be more appropriate.

Can I use "set out to do something" in a negative context?

Yes, you can use "set out to do something" in a negative context to describe intentions that were not fulfilled or efforts that failed to achieve the desired outcome. For example, "They set out to improve the system, but encountered numerous obstacles".