set to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set to work" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase means to start doing something, usually work-related. You can use this phrase in contexts such as when someone is motivated to start a project or task. For example: After the meeting ended, the team was set to work on the assignment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He set to work.

The New York Times

The team set to work.

The New Yorker

Mr. Chiba set to work.

The New York Times

A crowd of staffers set to work.

The New Yorker

We set to work to bury people.

Independent

We set to work while we chatted.

The New York Times

Chastened, Mr. Fleischman set to work.

The New York Times

They set to work.

The New York Times

Set to work, writing.

The New Yorker

Dutch contractors set to work.

The Guardian

So he set to work.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set to work" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and focused start to a task or project. It suggests a readiness and willingness to engage with the work at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "set to work" when simply describing someone performing a task without the implication of actively starting it. For example, avoid saying "He set to work while already working" as it implies a new beginning rather than ongoing activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to work" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of an action or task. It suggests a conscious decision to begin working. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in various English contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set to work" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the beginning of an activity, typically work-related, often implying purpose and determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable in English writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news articles and academic papers to casual conversations. While alternatives like "begin working" and "get started" exist, "set to work" uniquely emphasizes a focused and deliberate initiation of effort. Remember to use it when you want to highlight the active commencement of a task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin working

Replaces "set to" with "begin", offering a more straightforward alternative.

get started

A simpler and more casual way of expressing the beginning of work.

start the task

Emphasizes the initiation of a specific task rather than general work.

get down to business

Idiomatic, suggesting a focused and serious approach to starting work.

commence operations

More formal, suitable for describing the start of a business or project.

swing into action

Similar to "launch into action" but with a slightly different connotation of readiness.

launch into action

Implies energetic and immediate commencement of activity.

undertake the project

Highlights the commitment to take on a specific project.

embark on the endeavor

A more literary and sophisticated way to describe starting a significant undertaking.

initiate proceedings

Formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "set to work" to describe someone starting a task with purpose. For example: "After the instructions were given, everyone "set to work" immediately."

What are some alternatives to "set to work"?

Some alternatives to "set to work" include "begin working", "start the task", or "get started". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "set to work" formal or informal?

"Set to work" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.

What does it mean to say someone "set to work"?

Saying someone ""set to work"" means they started working on something, often with a sense of purpose or determination. It implies a proactive and focused approach to the task at hand.