set the terms for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set the terms for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the process of specifying the rules or boundaries of an agreement or arrangement. For example: "We need to set the terms for our business contract before we sign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

France and Germany set the terms for the two appointments.

The Guardian - Opinion

The targets decided now will set the terms for further negotiations.

The Guardian

Which will, of course, set the terms for the move after that.

The Washington Post

Rather, we must look to Iraqi politicians to set the terms for our withdrawal.

The New York Times - Magazine

As often happens, the winners wrote the history and set the terms for peace.

The Economist

Britain is calling the lawyers to set the terms for divorce.

The Economist

The first will take a critical stance on the themes listed above and set the terms for a discussion.

Harvard University

Painting and painters still set the terms for reading O'Hara, which in a way is too bad.

The New Yorker

While the limited partners put up the money, Marriott set the terms for the purchase of the hotels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This sets the terms for the fundamental policy argument of "The General Theory," ten years later.

The New Yorker

Trade deals are cut by Brussels, setting the terms for the 28 member nations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set the terms for", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is establishing the terms and what those terms entail. For example, "The company will set the terms for the new partnership agreement."

Common error

Avoid using "set the terms for" without specifying who is setting the terms. A sentence like "The terms were set for the negotiation" lacks clarity. Instead, specify who set the terms, for example, "The mediator set the terms for the negotiation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the terms for" functions as a verb phrase, often followed by a noun or noun phrase. Its primary grammatical function is to indicate the establishment of conditions, rules, or guidelines that will govern a particular situation, agreement, or process, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set the terms for" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of establishing conditions or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse domains, notably in news, academic, and formal business contexts. While more formal alternatives exist, its neutrality makes it widely applicable. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is setting the terms and what those terms entail, to prevent any vagueness. It's a common and acceptable way to express the act of defining the groundwork for an agreement or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the conditions for

Focuses on the act of creating specific conditions that must be met.

define the parameters of

Emphasizes setting boundaries or limits within which something operates.

lay down the groundwork for

Highlights the preparation and initial steps taken to enable future actions.

dictate the provisions of

Implies a more authoritative or controlling role in setting the specific requirements.

determine the framework for

Focuses on establishing the overall structure and organization for something.

specify the requirements for

Emphasizes detailing the necessary qualifications or conditions for something.

stipulate the prerequisites for

Highlights the essential conditions that must be satisfied beforehand.

fix the modalities of

Focuses on determining the specific manner or method in which something is done.

prescribe the regulations for

Implies a formal and authoritative setting of rules or guidelines.

forge the guidelines for

Focuses on the creative process of creating guiding principles or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "set the terms for" in a sentence?

You can use "set the terms for" to describe establishing conditions or rules. For example, "The contract will "set the terms for" the project's completion."

What's a more formal way to say "set the terms for"?

More formal alternatives include "establish the conditions for", "define the parameters of", or "stipulate the requirements for".

What's the difference between ""set the terms for"" and "lay down the law"?

"Set the terms for" implies establishing conditions for an agreement or process, whereas "lay down the law" suggests imposing strict rules or commands.

Is it appropriate to use ""set the terms for"" in academic writing?

Yes, ""set the terms for"" is suitable for academic writing when describing the establishment of conditions, parameters, or frameworks within a study or discussion.