sets in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"sets in motion" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to start or initiate a process or action. Example: The new policy set in motion a series of changes within the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each stage sets in motion more isolation.

The New York Times

The appearance of Carlito sets in motion other crucial events.

The New York Times - Books

An invitation sets in motion a logical and emotional process.

The New Yorker

Beethoven's music sets in motion the machinery of awe, of fear, of terror, of pain.

The New Yorker

Article 57 sets in motion an election procedure carefully designed to maintain one-party rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mike agrees, and his unintended celebrity sets in motion a train of increasingly bizarre events.

The New York Times - Books

But Microsoft's latest motion, filed on Wednesday, sets in motion a new avenue of possible appeal.

The New York Times

Their inability to agree sets in motion a series of punitive actions by the United States.

The New York Times

This sets in motion a bizarre scenario that is nothing if not nonpartisan in its barbs.

The New York Times - Arts

Far from restoring the peace, he sets in motion his own ruin by banishing his cousin.

Independent

Finally, milling sets in motion the process of redefining the rules that govern behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sets in motion" when you want to emphasize that an action will initiate a series of subsequent events or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "sets in motion" when the action only has a single, direct consequence. This phrase is best suited for scenarios involving multiple, cascading effects. For single actions, use a simpler verb like "causes" or "creates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sets in motion" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of initiating or starting a process or sequence of events. As Ludwig AI states, it effectively describes how an action begins a chain of effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sets in motion" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the initiation of a sequence of events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. It appears most often in news and media, scientific writing, and academic contexts, reflecting its suitability for describing cause-and-effect relationships and initiating actions. When using "sets in motion", remember to emphasize the cascading effect of the initial action, differentiating it from simpler verbs like "causes". Alternatives such as "triggers" and "initiates" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances, you can employ "sets in motion" effectively to articulate complex processes and their beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggers

This alternative directly implies causation, emphasizing the immediate effect of an action.

initiates

This alternative focuses on the start of a process or action.

starts

This term is a more basic and widely understood synonym, suitable for simpler contexts.

begins

This alternative is similar to "starts", but can suggest a more formal or significant commencement.

activates

This implies that something was dormant or inactive before being started.

prompts

This suggests that something encourages or motivates a subsequent action.

sparks

This alternative implies a sudden or energetic beginning.

launches

This term suggests a deliberate and often planned initiation of something.

establishes

This focuses on the creation or foundation of something that then progresses.

gives rise to

This indicates that something causes something else to happen or exist.

FAQs

How to use "sets in motion" in a sentence?

Use "sets in motion" to describe an action that starts a chain of events. For example, "The new policy "sets in motion" a series of changes within the company".

What can I say instead of "sets in motion"?

You can use alternatives like "triggers", "initiates", or "starts" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative has a slightly different emphasis on causation or initiation.

Is "sets in motion" formal or informal?

"Sets in motion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the complexity of the situation being described rather than the setting.

What's the difference between "sets in motion" and "causes"?

"Sets in motion" implies a series of events following an initial action, while "causes" suggests a more direct and immediate effect. "The argument "caused" a fight" versus "The argument "sets in motion" a series of conflicts within the family".