setting off on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting off on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of a journey or an undertaking. Example: "After weeks of planning, we are finally setting off on our road trip across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The try came one tackle after halfback Luke Brooks produced a one-on-one steal before setting off on a 95-metre run.

The Guardian - Sport

Moving away from him, setting off on their own.

The New Yorker

So their campaigns are setting off on their own.

The New York Times

It was just the kind of boost Mr Blair needed before setting off on his holidays.

The Economist

The administration is setting off on a flurry of diplomatic activity.

The New York Times

He postponed it again several times, until actually setting off on Sunday.

The Guardian

In music as in myth, adventurers are forever setting off on journeys, testing themselves.

The Guardian - Music

Here, that meant setting off on a quest for dinosaur bones with heroes Doug and Bonnie.

The Guardian - Tech

Like anyone setting off on a perilous course, I was sure it wouldn't happen to me.

The New York Times - Travel

Before setting off on the journey Beckham is filmed being given advice by his wife Victoria.

The Guardian

Here's what you need to know before setting off on your first Google trip.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting off on" to describe the commencement of journeys, adventures, or significant tasks. It’s particularly effective when emphasizing the excitement or uncertainty of the beginning.

Common error

Avoid using "setting off on" for tasks that are routine or lack a sense of adventure or exploration. It's best suited for situations involving travel, discovery, or new beginnings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting off on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the commencement of a journey or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and common, especially in contexts describing travel or new endeavors, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting off on" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the start of a journey, adventure, or significant task. Ludwig AI validates its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and travel writing. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be suitable for specific academic or professional settings. The phrase effectively communicates the initiation of an endeavor, often with an implied sense of anticipation or excitement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarking on

Formal and emphasizes a significant undertaking.

starting out on

Informal and suggests the initial phase of an activity.

commencing on

More formal and highlights the beginning of something structured.

launching into

Emphasizes energetic initiation or immersion.

beginning on

Simple and direct, indicating the start point.

heading out for

Focuses on the physical act of departure toward a destination.

taking off on

Implies a quick or sudden departure, often for a journey.

setting forth on

More archaic and formal, emphasizing a deliberate start.

kicking off on

Informal, implies the start of a project or event with enthusiasm.

getting underway with

Suggests that preparations are complete and the activity is now in progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "setting off on" to describe the start of a journey or adventure, such as "They are "setting off on" a hiking trip" or "She is "setting off on" a new career path".

What are some alternatives to "setting off on"?

Alternatives include "embarking on", "starting out on", or "launching into", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "setting off on" formal or informal?

"Setting off on" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal options like "embarking on" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What is the difference between "setting off on" and "going on"?

"Setting off on" specifically implies the commencement of a journey or task, whereas "going on" is more general and can refer to something that is already in progress or simply happening. For example, "They are "setting off on" a trip" indicates the beginning of the journey, while "What's going on?" refers to current events.