set up equipment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set up equipment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of assembling or preparing equipment for use in various contexts, such as events, technical setups, or experiments. Example: "Before the presentation starts, we need to set up the equipment in the conference room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Set up equipment like basketball hoops or volleyball nets in the yard.

WikiHow

Recent legislation encourages industrialists to set up equipment for treating their VOC-loaded gaseous effluents.

Chemical Engineering Science

I only catch fragments as I set up equipment, but the words "kilt" and "penis" were definitely in there.

The Guardian - Music

Working with a source inside the phone company, he set up equipment capable of tapping and simultaneously recording 10 phone lines in the area.

The New York Times

Moreover, the education wing will not be subject to the same restrictions as the concert halls on who can move or set up equipment.

The New York Times - Arts

The University of Delaware has set up equipment to generate high-frequency sound waves beneath the Delaware Bay to learn how such waves act underwater.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Who sets up equipment and washes glassware for teaching labs?

Cornell University

Ms. Pinover Schiff had been setting up equipment to photograph Central Park through the big picture window.

The New York Times

Reports circulated that volunteers setting up equipment had been pelted with eggs.

The New York Times - Sports

Sofia Chang sets up equipment for videotaping her mosquito subjects in the Netherlands.

University of California, Berkeley

In the sprayer calibration competition, students demonstrate their skills in setting up equipment to deliver precise rates.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, be specific about the type of "set up equipment" required. Instead of just saying "We need to set up equipment", specify what kind of equipment, such as "We need to set up recording equipment" or "We need to set up laboratory equipment".

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when you can use active voice. Instead of saying "The equipment was set up by the team", say "The team "set up equipment"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set up equipment" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (the equipment). As seen in Ludwig, this phrase indicates the action of preparing and arranging equipment for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set up equipment" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of preparing and arranging equipment for a specific task. As validated by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. To enhance clarity, specify the type of equipment being set up. Remember, while passive voice is acceptable, active voice often provides more direct and engaging communication. Be aware of the importance of the context and who are your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assemble the gear

This alternative focuses on the act of putting the individual pieces of equipment together.

install the apparatus

This suggests a more technical or permanent installation of equipment.

prepare the setup

This focuses on getting everything ready for use.

arrange the instruments

This is more suitable for musical or scientific contexts.

configure the system

This implies a more complex and interconnected group of devices.

get the machinery ready

This emphasizes the preparation of mechanical equipment.

establish the installation

This suggests a more formal and structured setting up process.

position the hardware

This focuses on the physical placement of computer-related equipment.

ready the instruments

This emphasizes the preparation aspect of setting up specific instruments for a task.

deploy the resources

This highlights the strategic allocation and arrangement of equipment.

FAQs

How can I use "set up equipment" in a sentence?

You can use "set up equipment" in sentences like, "Before the concert, the crew needs to "set up equipment"" or "The scientists will "set up equipment" for the experiment tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "set up equipment"?

Alternatives to "set up equipment" include "assemble the gear", "install the apparatus", or "prepare the setup depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "set up the equipment" or "set the equipment up"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and commonly used. However, "set up the equipment" is generally preferred, especially in more formal writing.

What's the difference between "setting up equipment" and "configuring equipment"?

"Setting up equipment" generally refers to the physical act of assembling and positioning the equipment. "Configuring equipment" refers to the process of adjusting its settings and parameters to work correctly.