set sail

USAGE SUMMARY

"set sail" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used as an idiomatic phrase, usually meaning to embark on an adventure or journey. For example, "The crew set sail for their voyage to the unknown island."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But can he set sail?

The New Yorker

We set sail from there".

The New York Times - Sports

They then set sail again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She set sail from Cleveland in December.

The Economist

The Libertad set sail in June.

The New York Times

The sailors again set sail for home.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He set sail in the Autumn!

Cornell University

Balitik was ready to set sail.

The Guardian - Travel

The group had set sail from Libya.

The New York Times

Wilder set sail for Europe on Nov. 24.

Yale University

From Ephesus Alcidas set sail in haste and fled.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set sail" when you want to evoke a sense of adventure, exploration, or the beginning of a significant journey, whether literal or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "set sail" in contexts where a simple 'start' or 'begin' would be more appropriate. Overusing it metaphorically can make your writing sound cliché or forced.

Linguistic Context

Set sail functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the action of a vessel beginning its journey on the water. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set sail" is a widely recognized and accepted idiom that signifies the commencement of a voyage or journey. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, highlighting its frequent use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Its versatility allows it to be used in various settings, with a slight inclination towards neutral to formal registers. Remember to use it to evoke a sense of adventure or new beginnings, and to avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler alternatives might suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a voyage

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the beginning of a journey by sea.

begin a journey

This phrase is a general term for starting a trip, not necessarily by sea.

start a voyage

Similar to 'begin a journey' but specifically refers to a sea trip.

weigh anchor

This nautical term refers specifically to the act of lifting the anchor to begin a voyage.

get underway

This phrase implies the beginning of movement, often in a nautical context.

cast off

This phrase describes the act of releasing ropes to begin a boat's journey.

commence sailing

A more formal way to express the start of sailing.

take to the sea

This phrase evokes a sense of adventure and embarking on a maritime journey.

launch forth

A more poetic and emphatic way to describe the beginning of a voyage or endeavor.

get going

A very general term for starting any activity, less specific than "set sail".

FAQs

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

You can use "set sail" to describe the beginning of a sea voyage, as in "The ship will "set sail" at dawn". It can also be used metaphorically to describe the start of any new venture, such as "We are ready to "set sail" on this new project".

What are some alternatives to using "set sail"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "embark on a voyage", "begin a journey", or "start a voyage". These options can be more formal or general, depending on your needs.

Is "set sail" formal or informal?

"Set sail" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it often carries a slightly more evocative or literary tone. It's suitable for news reports, historical accounts, and even casual conversation.

What does it mean to "set sail" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "set sail" means to begin a new project, venture, or endeavor. It carries the connotation of embarking on something significant and potentially challenging, similar to starting a sea voyage.