set out to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention or goal of acquiring knowledge or skills in a particular area. Example: "She set out to learn a new language before her trip abroad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They set out to learn more.

The New Yorker

I set out to learn more.

The Guardian - Opinion

University of Michigan set out to learn why they don't.

The New York Times

Mr. Lavalle set out to learn everything he could about the mortgage industry.

The New York Times

Wilson set out to learn how groups created a good order, why that order sometimes frayed.

The New York Times

So, "I set out to learn the language and became infatuated with the literature," he recalled.

The New York Times

She set out to learn what her own relatives had done during the war.

The New Yorker

Already favored with a "natural facility," she said, she set out to learn her instrument herself.

The New York Times - Arts

I set out to learn how it stacked up against the competition.

The New York Times - Food

She set out to learn German, the language of Goethe, and was able to translate him within three months.

The New Yorker

At Hachette, Pecker set out to learn about the sales, marketing, and manufacturing sides of the magazine business.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out to learn", ensure that the object of learning is clearly defined. Clarity enhances the sentence's impact and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague objectives when using "set out to learn". Instead of saying 'He set out to learn about history', specify 'He set out to learn about the causes of World War I' for a more precise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out to learn" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose. It typically follows a subject and verb, clarifying the reason behind the subject's action. Ludwig examples show how it's consistently used to denote the initiation of a learning endeavor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set out to learn" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the commencement of a learning process. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from news media to scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While alternatives like "begin to study" or "seek to understand" exist, each carries a slightly different nuance. When using the phrase, it's best practice to clearly define the learning objective to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek to understand

Emphasizes a deeper level of comprehension rather than just acquiring knowledge.

begin to study

Focuses on the initial act of studying, implying a more academic approach.

resolve to master

Highlights a strong determination to gain expertise in a subject.

undertake to learn

Emphasizes commitment and responsibility in the learning process; more formal.

decide to study

Highlights the decision-making aspect of choosing to learn.

make an effort to learn

Highlights the exertion of energy and effort to gain knowledge.

aim to discover

Shifts the focus towards uncovering new information or insights.

endeavor to find out

Implies a more challenging or investigative approach to learning.

embark on a quest to learn

Suggests a more adventurous and exploratory approach to learning.

commence learning

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying 'begin learning'.

FAQs

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

The phrase "set out to learn" is used to express the act of beginning an effort to acquire knowledge or a skill. For example, "She "set out to learn" Spanish before her trip to Spain".

What is a good alternative for "set out to learn"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "begin to study", "seek to understand", or "undertake to learn". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "setting out to learn"?

Yes, "setting out to learn" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing or habitual action. For example: "She is "setting out to learn" new things every day".

What's the difference between "set out to learn" and "tried to learn"?

"Set out to learn" emphasizes the intention and initial action of starting a learning process, while "tried to learn" focuses on the effort exerted, implying that the success of learning is not guaranteed. "She "set out to learn" coding, but ultimately "tried to learn" but found it too difficult".