sets me off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sets me off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that triggers a strong emotional reaction, often anger or irritation. Example: "Every time I hear that song, it sets me off and brings back memories I’d rather forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Except this: nothing sets me off more than seeing a team lose on an official's call.

The New York Times - Sports

"It really sets me off when they say that," she added.

The New York Times

If anybody, including myself, tries to say something funny at a funeral, that usually sets me off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reading those that claim the agency is manoeuvring to reserve the right to regulate even the flight of bullets and baseballs "sets me off", says Les Dorr, an FAA spokesman.

The Economist

At first it's painful, then cathartic, and finally just annoying – having not cried when I expected to for years, the sight of every ornament, every poster in my house sets me off, and I don't know when it'll stop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even the opening sequence (in which hordes of students leap up the stairs to the balcony at the Royal Opera House, and the new music fans hotly argue with the balletomanes about the work they are about to see) sets me off.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Different things set me off.

Independent

That could set me off.

The New York Times - Sports

"Certain things still set me off.

The New Yorker

They set me off the track.

The New Yorker

"That set me off," said JoAnn Brandon.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sets me off" when you want to express that something triggers a sudden and often negative emotional response in you. Be mindful of the context, as it can imply a lack of control over your emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "sets me off" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "triggers a reaction" or "causes concern" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sets me off" functions as an idiomatic expression that describes something that triggers a strong, often negative, emotional reaction in a person. Ludwig AI suggests this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sets me off" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that triggers a strong emotional reaction, typically anger or irritation. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase and its usability in written English. While generally considered informal, it appears across various news and media outlets, reflecting a neutral register. For more formal settings, alternatives like "triggers a reaction" or "causes concern" may be more appropriate. Remember that overusing this phrase or employing it in professional settings may be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushes my buttons

Idiomatic expression indicating something that specifically annoys or angers someone.

ignites my temper

Emphasizes the suddenness and intensity with which anger arises.

makes my blood boil

An idiomatic way of saying something is causing intense anger.

triggers my anger

Focuses specifically on anger as the triggered emotion, emphasizing a negative reaction.

angers me intensely

Highlights intensity as a major semantic component.

makes me furious

Highlights the intensity of the anger experienced.

irritates me greatly

Emphasizes irritation rather than a full outburst of anger.

provokes a reaction

More general, indicating any kind of strong response, not necessarily negative.

stirs up emotions in me

Refers to a more extensive spectrum of feelings that are awoken.

causes me to react

Neutral phrasing, focusing on the action-reaction dynamic without specifying the emotion.

FAQs

What does "sets me off" mean?

The phrase "sets me off" means that something triggers a strong emotional reaction in someone, often anger or irritation. It implies a loss of control over one's emotions.

What can I say instead of "sets me off"?

You can use alternatives like "triggers my anger", "makes me furious", or "pushes my buttons", depending on the context and the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is "sets me off" formal or informal?

"Sets me off" is generally considered an informal expression. It's suitable for casual conversations and informal writing, but it may not be appropriate for formal or professional contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases in formal settings.

How to use "sets me off" in a sentence?

You can use "sets me off" to describe something that provokes a strong emotional response. For example, "When people are late, it really sets me off", or "Certain political discussions just set me off, and I can't help but get angry."