set to retire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set to retire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone who is approaching retirement or has plans to retire soon. Example: "After 30 years of dedicated service, she is set to retire at the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strengthen Retirement Benefits: With nearly half of Californians set to retire into economic hardship, we need bold action, including contributions from a much broader set of employers.

Huffington Post

Mr. McClendon is set to retire on April 1.

The New York Times

The county judge, Kenneth Sandvik, was set to retire in a few months.

The New York Times

It will also delay replacing a Supreme Court justice set to retire in February.

The New York Times

Amazon's CFO Thomas Szkutak is set to retire in June of this year.

The Guardian - Tech

Some 25% of clergy are set to retire in the next five to 10 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shaquille O'Neal has announced that he is set to retire from the NBA.

The Guardian - Sport

The current commissioner, Andrew Scipione, is set to retire in July 2017.

The Guardian

The entire fleet of C-141 cargo planes is set to retire by 2006.

The New York Times

Matten is set to retire from the sport later this year and start a career as a fencing coach.

The New York Times

Now, Judge Gonzalez, 64, is set to retire in March as the chief of the federal bankruptcy court in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider the specific context. "Scheduled to retire" might be preferable in official announcements, while "set to retire" works well in news reports.

Common error

Avoid using "set to retire" if the retirement plans are uncertain or merely rumored. Use phrasing like "may retire" or "considering retirement" instead to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to retire" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (usually a person's name or title). It indicates a future action or state of being, specifically the act of retiring. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set to retire" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the strong likelihood of someone's retirement. According to Ludwig, it’s widely used in various media and typically indicates that plans are in place for the individual's departure. While it maintains a neutral register, "scheduled to retire" can be used in formal settings. Remember to ensure that retirement plans are firm before employing this expression to prevent misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to retire

Indicates immediacy; slightly more informal.

retiring soon

Simple and direct; emphasizes temporal proximity.

scheduled to retire

Emphasizes a pre-arranged plan or timetable.

due to retire

Implies that retirement is because of an external factor, such as age or service.

planning to retire

Focuses on the intention; lacks the sense of certainty.

expected to retire

Suggests that retirement is widely anticipated or predicted.

on the verge of retirement

Emphasizes the proximity to the event; more figurative.

nearing retirement

Highlights the approaching nature of retirement.

going to retire

More informal and conversational.

preparing for retirement

Highlights the preparatory actions; less direct.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "set to retire"?

When someone is described as "set to retire", it means they are very likely to retire, based on present plans or circumstances. It indicates a strong expectation of retirement.

What's the difference between "set to retire" and "planning to retire"?

"Set to retire" suggests a higher degree of certainty than "planning to retire." Planning indicates intention, while "set to" implies that the arrangements are largely in place.

Which is a more formal way to say "set to retire"?

A more formal alternative to "set to retire" is "scheduled to retire". This phrasing is often used in official announcements or business contexts.

Can "set to retire" be used for things other than people?

Yes, "set to retire" can also refer to objects or systems that are being phased out or discontinued. For example, you might say "The old software is set to retire next year."