setting off from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting off from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the starting point of a journey or an action. Example: "We are setting off from the train station at 9 AM to begin our adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Setting off from New York.

BBC

The vessel had been under surveillance since setting off from Trinidad and Tobago a month earlier.

The Economist

Setting off from Kaliste, I followed narrow back routes through stately forests and rolling fields.

The New York Times - Arts

Setting off from Negombo, you'll find hidden caves and sacred shrines and explore ancient royal capitals.

The Guardian - Travel

Then think of Richard Long, setting off from Waterloo in 1967, on a blazing June day.

The Guardian - Arts

Mbuso Malanga, a 41-year management executive, had come with his family, setting off from their home at 2.30am.

Independent

Setting off from the Bronx in a small boat, he told me, is "an amazing escape from city life.

The New Yorker

Before setting off from Seoul, Kim Dae Jung said the entire world was "welcoming and blessing this trip".

The New York Times

He has flown more than 9,400 miles since setting off from Australia's far west on Aug. 4.

The New York Times

"Just setting off from Tonbridge to see Heart of Mid-Lothian play Dundee United," says Davy Allan.

The Guardian - Sport

Setting off from the handsome Bethesda Chapel, soon we're ascending a steep wooded path towards the foot of the scarp.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting off from" to clearly indicate the starting point of a journey, expedition, or activity, ensuring your reader understands the initial location.

Common error

Avoid using "setting off from" interchangeably with phrases that imply direction or purpose without explicitly stating the origin. For example, "heading to" describes the destination, not the departure point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting off from" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the starting point of an action or journey. Ludwig examples show it clearly defines where something begins, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting off from" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the starting point of a journey or activity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, travel, and sports writing, it offers a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using "setting off from", ensure it clearly defines the origin to avoid confusion with phrases that only indicate direction. For alternatives, consider "departing from" or "starting from" for similar meanings. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "setting off from" in your writing to provide clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departing from

Emphasizes the act of leaving, slightly more formal.

starting from

Highlights the initiation of a journey or activity.

leaving from

Focuses on the physical act of exiting a place.

commencing from

More formal and emphasizes the beginning of something.

originating from

Indicates the source or place of origin.

heading out from

Implies a journey or expedition from a particular location.

taking off from

Suggests a more abrupt or immediate departure, often used for flights.

embarking from

Conveys a sense of adventure or a formal beginning to a journey.

proceeding from

Implies a continuation or next step from a given point.

launching from

Suggests a beginning of a project, initiative, or physical journey.

FAQs

How can I use "setting off from" in a sentence?

Use "setting off from" to indicate the beginning of a journey or activity. For example, "We are "setting off from" London at dawn" or "The expedition is "setting off from" base camp tomorrow.

What are some alternatives to "setting off from"?

You can use alternatives such as "departing from", "starting from", or "leaving from" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "setting off from" and "heading to"?

"Setting off from" indicates the origin of a journey, while "heading to" describes the destination. "Setting off from New York" tells where the journey began; "heading to Los Angeles" tells where it ends.

When should I use "setting off from" instead of a simpler phrase like "leaving"?

Use ""setting off from"" when you want to emphasize the specific starting point of a journey or activity. It provides a more detailed and vivid picture than simply saying "leaving".