set out to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out to find" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe the process of attempting to locate something, either physically or metaphorically. For example: She set out to find a cure for the unknown illness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We set out to find the answer ourselves.

Independent

We set out to find what some popular jobs paid in the nation’s biggest cities.

Forbes

So I set out to find her.

The New York Times

I set out to find him.

The New York Times

So Cuvier set out to find them.

The New Yorker

So he set out to find others.

The New York Times

Lamb set out to find the answer.

The New York Times - Books

I then set out to find them.

The Guardian - Arts

So we set out to find one.

The Guardian

Interesting, but not what I set out to find.

The New Yorker

So they set out to find which animals have what.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "set out to find", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you were hoping to achieve or discover. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "set out to find" when the search wasn't intentional or planned. If you stumbled upon something unexpectedly, phrases like "came across" or "discovered" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out to find" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the intention or goal behind an action. It connects the act of setting out with the objective of finding something, whether tangible or intangible. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set out to find" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that functions as a purpose connector, signifying the intention behind an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. While the phrase is register-neutral, being suitable for both formal and informal writing, you should consider alternatives like "endeavored to locate" or "sought to discover" for conveying nuanced meanings. When employing this phrase, clarity of intent is crucial to prevent ambiguity. Therefore, ensure that the objective of the search is well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set about finding

Focuses on the initiation of the process of discovery.

made an effort to find

Highlights the expenditure of energy or resources in the search.

launched a search for

Emphasizes the beginning of a systematic attempt to find something.

sought to discover

Highlights the act of finding something new or previously unknown through exploration or investigation.

endeavored to locate

Implies a more formal and determined effort to find something.

aimed to uncover

Suggests a focus on revealing something that is hidden or not easily apparent.

undertook to find

Suggests a formal commitment to locate something.

tried to detect

Focuses on identifying something that may be difficult to perceive.

made it one's business to find

Suggests taking responsibility for locating something.

embarked on a quest to find

Implies a long or difficult search with a significant goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "set out to find" to describe the act of starting a journey or task with the specific goal of discovering or locating something. For example, "The researchers "set out to find" a new cure for the disease".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "endeavored to locate", "sought to discover", or "launched a search for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "set out to find" or "set out to look for"?

"Set out to find" implies a more focused and purposeful effort to discover something, while "set out to look for" is a more general expression. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to place on the intention of discovery.

Can "set out to find" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "set out to find" can be used metaphorically to describe the process of seeking knowledge, understanding, or a solution to a problem. For instance, "She "set out to find" the meaning of life".