sets

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sets" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of similar items, e.g. "This store sells sets of dishes in various colors and patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The twist in the story shocks, but what's really daring is that the village where Mambety sets the tale, where he pins his nation to the wall, is … his hometown.

The Guardian - Film

It sets out to be comprehensive and to bring consistency while maintaining the independence of the judiciary.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were sets for spinsters, boxes commemorating the First World War (contents: naval and military headdress, iron crosses, a Kaiser moustache and shells), even crackers for Masons.

The Guardian

As demonstrators take to the streets for civil rights in Birmingham, Alabama, a police officer deliberately sets a dog on an unarmed man.

The Guardian - Arts

The chef sets up a stall in the middle of the Campo and the genial Carlo and Davide serve up heaped plates of the dish of the day, which could be a delicious fritto misto, wild mushroom risotto or tasty goulash, priced at €7-10 with a glass of wine included.

The Guardian - Travel

This year it rolled out projections on to the outside of Broadcasting House and three different sets of analysis — from Sophie Raworth outdoors, Emily Maitlis at the big screen and of course Jeremy Vine, this time performing among some slightly spooky breathing avatars of politicians and a literal House of Cards.

The Guardian

The election programme is one of those moments when the corporation sets out to prove why it exists.

The Guardian

Its roots are in the second world war and the mutual loathing of both teams and sets of fans intensified after "The Mother of all Defeats", when the Germans famously triumphed over the Dutch in the 1974 World Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

They show the sky quite electric, and a view across rooftops: washing giddy on the line, television sets blinking, a couple dancing beneath the brilliant sky.

The Guardian - Music

Michie points to examples of best practice such as the strategic projects team at NHS Midlands and East, which helps commissioners to work more effectively through collaboration: "One of the challenges commissioners have is that they're unlikely to have the skill sets they need in one organisation but can as a team," she says.

The Guardian

The global public will need to see that the post-2012 agreement clearly sets the world on a path towards the peaking and decline of global emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sets" to refer to distinct groupings. To avoid ambiguity, clarify the criteria that define each set.

Common error

Avoid using "sets" when referring to a single collection or group. Use the singular form "set" instead. For example, say "This is a beautiful set of dishes" and not "This is a beautiful sets of dishes".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sets" is as a plural noun. It denotes multiple groupings or collections of items, objects, or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Sport

12%

Tech

5%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Books

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sets" functions primarily as a plural noun used to denote multiple collections or groups. Ludwig AI confirms this with multiple real-world examples. It's grammatically sound and used across various contexts, from news and media to sports and technology, maintaining a generally neutral register. Key writing tips include using "set" for singular collections and ensuring clarity when referring to mathematical sets. "Sets" is a very common term as shown in the examples count, making it an essential word for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groups

Replaces "sets" with a more general term for collections of items.

collections

Uses a synonym that emphasizes the act of gathering items together.

assortments

Suggests a variety of different items within a collection.

bundles

Implies a collection of items that are tied or grouped together.

kits

Refers to a collection of items specifically designed for a particular purpose.

suites

Describes a related group of items, often in a design context.

series

Indicates a sequence or group of related events or items.

clusters

Denotes a close grouping of similar items.

categories

Uses a term that emphasizes classification and grouping by type.

selections

Indicates a curated group of items chosen for a specific reason.

FAQs

How do I use "sets" in a sentence?

"Sets" is the plural form of "set", and is used to refer to multiple collections or groups. For example: "The store sells "sets of dishes" in various colors and patterns".

What are some synonyms for "sets"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "groups", "collections", "assortments", or "bundles".

Is it correct to say "a sets of"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "a set of" when referring to a single collection. "Sets" is plural, so it would be used with plural quantifiers, such as "two sets of".

What's the difference between "sets" and "setting"?

"Sets" refers to multiple collections or groups of items. "Setting", on the other hand, refers to the place or environment where something is located or where an event takes place.