set outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to placing something in an outdoor location or indicating that something is positioned externally. Example: "Please set outside the chairs for the event this evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Barbecue grills are set outside, and the cooking commences.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chairs and tables set outside have been chained so they cannot be moved.

The New York Times

Filip, who craves swinging, has a therapeutic swing in his bedroom and a swing set outside.

The New York Times

The story I'm working on now is set outside, actually — the narrator is driving a car through the mountains in a storm.

The New Yorker

The long laminated tag, featuring a photograph of the swing set outside, now dangles from a hook, taunting the students like a grape lollipop that cannot be unwrapped.

The New York Times

A long communal table was set outside and we all gathered around for a 4 course feast with wine pairings.

Huffington Post

I mostly like to work on films that are set outside, building sets in a real environment.

Vice

Set outside and wait for the hornets to drop by and drown.

WikiHow

It's set outside America.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For this reason they were set outside the asset boundary.

The Economist

Because the cabbage's temperature should not drop too far, it cannot be set outside.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set outside", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being placed or positioned externally. For clarity, specify the object and the intended location, such as, "Set the table outside on the patio."

Common error

Avoid using "set outside" without a clear indication of what is being set. Incomplete sentences like "The equipment was set outside" can confuse readers. Specify the object being placed and the intended location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set outside" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "set" with the adverb "outside". It is used to describe the action of placing something in an external location. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is considered correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set outside" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the action of placing something in an exterior location. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and well-established. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its presence in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications and wikis. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "place outdoors" and "put outside", the choice of phrase depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to specify the object and intended location for clarity, and you can confidently use "set outside" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place outdoors

Emphasizes the action of putting something in an open-air setting.

put outside

A simpler, more direct way to express the action of moving something to an exterior location.

locate outdoors

Similar to "place outdoors" but may imply finding a suitable outdoor spot.

position externally

Focuses on the final location of something in an outer space.

install outdoors

Suggests a more permanent placement or setup in an external area.

mount externally

Specifically indicates attaching something to an external surface.

display outdoors

Implies showcasing something in an open-air environment.

keep outdoors

Refers to maintaining something in an exterior location.

leave outdoors

Suggests abandoning or forgetting something in an external setting.

expose to the elements

Focuses on the act of subjecting something to environmental conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "set outside" in a sentence?

You can use "set outside" to describe placing an object outdoors, such as "Please "set outside" the chairs for the party" or to describe a location, such as "The film was "set outside" the city".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "set outside"?

Alternatives include "place outdoors", "put outside", or "locate outdoors". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "set outside" or "placed outside"?

Both "set outside" and "placed outside" are acceptable. "Set outside" often implies a temporary or intentional placement, while "placed outside" can be more general. Choose the phrasing that best fits the situation you're describing.

Is there a difference between "set outside" and "kept outside"?

Yes, "set outside" implies a single action of placing something outdoors. "Kept outside", on the other hand, suggests that something is maintained or remains in an outdoor location for a period of time.