set to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set to go" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is ready to proceed or start an activity. Example: "The team is all set to go for the big presentation tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why's he set to go?

The Guardian

He was set to go to Tufts in the fall.

The New York Times - Books

Evans is set to go third to last.

The New York Times - Sports

The site is set to go live on Tuesday evening.

The New York Times

Unemployment is now 3.9m and set to go on rising.

The Economist

Pop was anxious, but he was set to go — determined.

The New Yorker

The case is set to go to trial in September.

The New York Times

Road building looks set to go to on.

The Guardian

He is set to go on trial in June.

The Washington Post

It is set to go live in January 2014.

The Guardian - Money

Now they are set to go ahead on Sunday.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set to go" to convey a sense of readiness and anticipation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred.

Common error

While versatile, "set to go" might sound too informal in academic papers or formal reports. Opt for alternatives like "ready to commence" or "prepared to initiate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to go" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of readiness or preparedness. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set to go" is a versatile idiomatic phrase that effectively communicates readiness and preparedness. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional contexts. Remember to use "set to go" to convey anticipation and readiness. For more formal settings, phrases like "ready to commence" might be more appropriate. By understanding its nuances, you can confidently use "set to go" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ready to proceed

Focuses on the immediate action of moving forward.

prepared to begin

Highlights the state of being fully ready for commencement.

about to start

Emphasizes the imminence of the beginning.

on the verge of starting

Suggests a point very close to the initiation of something.

geared up to commence

Implies a thorough preparation and readiness.

all systems go

An idiomatic expression indicating that everything is ready and approved.

primed and ready

Stresses the state of being fully prepared and eager.

in a state of readiness

Formal way of indicating a prepared condition.

waiting to launch

More specific, implying something is waiting for a signal to begin.

on standby

Suggests readiness but also implies waiting for a cue or command.

FAQs

How can I use "set to go" in a sentence?

"Set to go" indicates readiness. Example: "The project is all set to go, pending final approval".

What are some alternatives to "set to go"?

You can use phrases like "ready to proceed", "prepared to begin", or "about to start" depending on the context.

Is "set to go" formal or informal?

"Set to go" is generally considered suitable for both informal and neutral contexts. For highly formal situations, consider alternatives like "ready to commence".

What does "all systems go" mean, and how does it relate to "set to go"?

"All systems go" is an idiom similar to "set to go", meaning everything is ready and approved. While "set to go" can apply to smaller tasks, "all systems go" often implies a larger, more complex operation is ready to launch.