setting

USAGE SUMMARY

"setting" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun to describe the location, time period, or circumstance in which an event takes place. For example, "The novel takes place in London in the 1920s, so the setting is an important part of the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a speech setting out the government package to deter so-called benefit tourism, Cameron will say EU migrants can only continue to claim jobseekers allowance if they have been continuously actively seeking work and have a realistic imminent prospect of finding a job.

The Guardian

The speech did too much of the former and not enough of the setting out our own stall to enthuse the grassroots.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most people need help in neighbouring countries and Britain is rightly setting an example in providing aid to the nearly 4 million Syrian refugees in the region.

The Guardian

Related: Mental health charities can help people where the NHS cannot "To improve access to MBCT we need a combination of top-down action, such as getting commissioners and senior managers on board, and bottom-up action... pro-active mindfulness teachers and trainers setting up high quality local services and encouraging GPs to refer patients who would benefit from MBCT treatment," he says.

The Guardian

"Daesh leaders are working at setting up a state and do not deny the existence of terrorist volunteers from European countries who may or may not have dual nationality … it goes beyond what we experienced before with al-Qaida," he said.

The Guardian

"I'm not going to get into attacking individual candidates … but I do think we should be setting out Labour ideas for the future and not just saying suddenly the Tories are right about a whole series of things," she said.

The Guardian

Setting up an elaborate Berber camp in the July heat each day looked like hard work but Bobo laughed it off: "We are used to the desert.

The Guardian - Travel

But there is also opportunity in the new fluidity for all those aspiring third and fourth parties that are elbowing their way into the mainstream debate – from the Greens setting their sights on the Lib Dem votes to Ukip (doing the same to the Tories) and assorted nationalist aspirations, most boldly expressed by Alex Salmond.

The Guardian

"I really don't think anyone in Clapham is going to be setting fire to the water coming out of their taps," I tell you, adding, "No, your house isn't going to tumble into some newly created abyss".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Also a gynaecologist, Luciana is setting up her surgery in the north of the city.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The building is set on the north bank of the island, in a dreamy setting where the Seine laps lazily against its banks, and you can barely make out the sounds of the 21st-century city.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting" to refer to the level or placement that a knob or control is set to. For example, "Check the oven's temperature setting".

Common error

Avoid confusing "setting", which describes a place or context, with "sitting", which describes the act of being seated. For example, "The sun was setting" versus "He was sitting in a chair".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "setting" is as a noun, referring to the time, place, and circumstances of an event or story. It can also function as a gerund or present participle of the verb "set", as shown in the examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "setting" is a versatile term with several distinct meanings, primarily functioning as a noun to denote the time, place, and circumstances of an event or narrative. As confirmed by Ludwig, it can also be a gerund or present participle of the verb "set". Predominantly featured in News & Media sources, "setting" finds application across formal and informal contexts. When writing, be mindful of differentiating "setting" from "sitting". Utilize it to establish a scene effectively, offering readers essential context. With a high expert rating of 4.6, "setting" stands as grammatically sound and consistently employed across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

context

Emphasizes the circumstances or facts surrounding an event or situation.

location

Highlights the specific place where something is situated.

environment

Refers to the surrounding conditions or influences; a more general term.

scene

Implies a specific location or situation, often in a narrative.

backdrop

Suggests a background or setting against which something is viewed.

circumstances

Focuses on the surrounding conditions or events.

arena

Describes a place or context where activities or events take place.

framework

Implies a structure or system within which something operates.

milieu

Indicates the social or cultural environment.

ambiance

Refers to the atmosphere or mood of a place or situation.

FAQs

How do I use "setting" in a sentence?

You can use "setting" to refer to the time, place, and circumstances of a story, as in "The novel's setting is Victorian England". Or, it can refer to a control level, such as "Adjust the thermostat setting".

What are some alternatives to the word "setting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "environment", "context", or "location".

Is it correct to use "setting" when talking about the hardening of cement?

Yes, "setting" can refer to the hardening or solidifying of a substance, such as cement or plaster.

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

"Setting" often refers to the environment or context, while "setup" refers to the arrangement or preparation of something. For example, "The movie's setting was a small town" versus "The band's setup on stage was impressive".