set to work on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set to work on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is beginning to engage in a task or project. Example: "After the meeting, the team was set to work on the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We set to work on the script.

The Guardian

So he set to work on a gut renovation.

The New York Times

He immediately set to work on a second animated video.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bhabha set to work on a new theory.

The New York Times - Arts

New officeholders like Mr. Teli set to work on long-neglected development projects.

The New York Times

Within ACFS, we set to work on a thorough review of operations and strategy.

The Economist

Then it set to work on its performance ritual, its relationship with audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

Then with McNutt's financial backing he set to work on termites.

The New Yorker

She sat down on a small chair and set to work on her BlackBerry.

The New Yorker

In response, the C.I.A. set to work on the Aug. 6 brief.

The New York Times

Back in England, the two friends set to work on their appointed task.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set to work on" when you want to emphasize the beginning of a focused effort or project. It suggests a deliberate and purposeful start.

Common error

Don't use "set to work on" when the action is undirected or lacks a clear goal. Ensure the object of the preposition "on" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to work on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or project. As Ludwig AI shows, it signals the beginning of a task with a specific focus or goal, highlighting the initiation of effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set to work on" is a versatile verb phrase that effectively communicates the start of a focused effort towards a specific task or project. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, primarily within news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the task being undertaken. Alternatives such as "begin working on" or "start working on" can be used depending on the desired formality. With its established usage and clear meaning, "set to work on" remains a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin working on

More formal and direct, focusing on the initiation of labor.

start working on

Similar to "begin working on" but less formal.

commence work on

Highly formal, emphasizing the official start of a task.

get down to working on

Implies a transition from inactivity to active engagement.

undertake work on

Highlights the responsibility taken on with the task.

get cracking on

Informal and energetic, suggesting immediate and enthusiastic action.

dive into working on

Suggests immersing oneself deeply in the task.

launch into working on

Implies a vigorous and purposeful start.

get the ball rolling on

Idiomatic, focusing on initiating progress.

make a start on

Highlights the act of initiating something but doesn't specify 'working'.

FAQs

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

Use "set to work on" to indicate beginning a task or project with focused effort. For example: "After the meeting, the team "set to work on" the new marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "set to work on"?

You can use alternatives like "begin working on", "start working on", or "commence work on" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "set to work at" instead of "set to work on"?

While "set to work" can be used without a preposition, when specifying the object of the work, ""set to work on"" is the correct and more common phrasing.

What's the difference between "set to work on" and "start working on"?

"Set to work on" often implies a more deliberate and focused initiation of effort, while "start working on" is a more general term for beginning to work on something.