set out to examine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out to examine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the intention or purpose of an investigation or study. Example: "In this research paper, we set out to examine the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Two Canadian researchers recently set out to examine the bullying that pits women against women.

The New York Times

They then set out to examine systematically all the caves in the Qumrân neighborhood.

The New Yorker

"We set out to examine the criminal justice system and how it's functioning today.

The Guardian

A team of researchers set out to examine this in more detail.

Harvard Business Review

We further set out to examine the correspondence between neural modulation (as assessed using fMRI) and behavioural hearing thresholds.

Nature

Sartre set out to examine critically the Marxist dialectic and discovered that it was not livable in the Soviet form.

Britannica

In the new study, Drennan and her colleagues set out to examine the human version of RNR.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Against this backdrop, we set out to examine what characterizes the most experienced project managers involved in business analytics projects.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So those became the concerns that Dr. Ballard-Barbash and her colleagues set out to examine in more detail.

The New York Times

We therefore set out to examine the influence of heat shock protein 70 on the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We set out to examine the expression and function of Tnfsf14 in myoblasts.

Cell Death and Disease

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out to examine", ensure your writing clearly defines the specific goal or aspect you intend to investigate. This provides focus and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "set out to examine" when your investigation is preliminary or exploratory. Instead, use phrases that reflect a more limited scope, such as "began to investigate" or "started to explore".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out to examine" functions as an introductory phrase indicating the purpose or intention behind an action, typically an investigation, study, or analysis. It sets the stage for what follows, signaling the beginning of a process aimed at understanding something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set out to examine" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce the purpose of an investigation, study, or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is particularly common in scientific, academic, and news contexts, conveying a neutral to formal tone. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "aimed to investigate" or "sought to explore", but ensure they align with the specific nuance required. When using this phrase, clearly define the scope of your investigation to maintain clarity and avoid overstating your goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed to investigate

Focuses more on the specific act of investigation, suggesting a narrower scope than the original phrase.

sought to explore

Emphasizes discovery and venturing into the unknown aspects of a topic.

undertook to study

Implies a formal or academic commitment to a thorough analysis.

endeavored to analyze

Highlights the effort and systematic approach in breaking down a complex subject.

tried to determine

Suggests an attempt to reach a conclusion or establish a fact through examination.

set out to probe

Indicates a deeper, more penetrating form of investigation, seeking hidden or less obvious aspects.

decided to review

Implies a critical assessment of existing information or materials.

moved to assess

Emphasizes the evaluation and measurement of the subject's qualities or impact.

sought to understand

Focuses on gaining comprehension and insight into the subject.

started to question

Suggests an initial inquiry or challenge to existing knowledge or assumptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "set out to examine" to introduce the purpose of a study or investigation. For example, "The researchers "set out to examine" the effects of the new policy."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "aimed to investigate", "sought to explore", or "undertook to study". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "set out to examine" or "tried to examine"?

"Set out to examine" implies a planned and deliberate investigation, while "tried to examine" suggests an attempt that may or may not have been successful. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the nature of your effort.

What's the difference between "set out to examine" and "decided to review"?

"Set out to examine" indicates a broad investigation or study, whereas "decided to review" suggests a critical assessment of existing information or materials. The former is more exploratory, while the latter is more evaluative.