setting out on a journey

USAGE SUMMARY

"setting out on a journey" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you need to express the idea of starting on a journey, either physical, emotional, or metaphorical. For example, "We are setting out on a journey that will take us to new heights of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Siegfried's Journey to the Rhine had a triumphant togetherness - the cellos, in particular, sounding uncannily like a single, larger-than-life instrument - and the sense of setting out on a journey was appropriate (although one had to take it on trust that the LPO would fare better than Siegfried does).

The Guardian - Music

He'll be setting out on a journey instead.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drivers are not used to taking account of such things before setting out on a journey.

The Economist

It turned out to be a festival highlight – another case of setting out on a journey without an end destination programmed into the artistic GPS.

The Guardian

Beginning a clinic can be like setting out on a journey through the landscape of other people's lives as well as their bodies.

The Guardian - Books

Before dismissal, Mrs. Damiba told the students a story she had heard from the principal of KIPP, a fable about a group of people setting out on a journey, warned by a wise old woman to pick up every pebble.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Then, like now, Beto had decided to set out on a journey in the opposite direction, one that would separate him for weeks on end from his family.

The Washington Post

Gobelet came back and the tow of them set out on a journey.

The New Yorker

In July 2009, Stephanie Gautama sets out on a journey to discover the answers of these questions.

Cornell University

An Ethiopian immigrant sets out on a journey through his children's homes after losing his wife.

Stanford University

After losing his wife, Meseganio sets out on a journey that leads him through his children's homes.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting out on a journey" to evoke a sense of adventure or discovery, whether the journey is literal or metaphorical. For example, "The company is setting out on a journey to revolutionize the industry."

Common error

Avoid using "setting out on a journey" in extremely informal settings where simpler phrases like "leaving" or "going" would be more appropriate. This phrase tends to lend a more serious or significant tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting out on a journey" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a trip, quest, or endeavor. Ludwig shows its use in both literal and figurative contexts. It often introduces a narrative or signals the beginning of a significant undertaking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

21%

Books

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting out on a journey" effectively describes the commencement of either a physical trip or a metaphorical undertaking. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, but not overly common. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to describing personal quests. While versatile, avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler language would suffice. Consider alternatives like "embarking on a quest" or "launching an adventure" to fine-tune the tone and specificity of your writing. Remember to select the best term for the journey type: a trip, voyage, quest, pilgrimage, etc. The best practices for usage involve considering the audience and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarking on a quest

Uses "quest" instead of "journey", implying a more specific and challenging undertaking.

commencing a voyage

"Voyage" suggests a longer or more significant journey, and "commencing" is a more formal way of saying "setting out".

beginning an expedition

"Expedition" typically refers to a journey undertaken for exploration or research purposes.

starting a pilgrimage

"Pilgrimage" indicates a journey with religious or spiritual significance.

hitting the road

A more informal way of saying "setting out on a journey", usually referring to a road trip.

taking to the road

Similar to "hitting the road", this phrase also suggests beginning a road trip.

launching an adventure

Replaces "journey" with "adventure", suggesting excitement and the unknown.

taking off on a trip

Emphasizes the act of departure, often used for shorter or less formal journeys.

venturing forth

A more literary or old-fashioned way of describing the beginning of a journey.

embarking on a path

Implies a metaphorical journey or life change rather than a physical trip.

FAQs

How can I use "setting out on a journey" in a sentence?

You can use "setting out on a journey" to describe the start of a physical trip, as in "They are setting out on a journey across Europe", or a metaphorical one, such as "She is "setting out on a journey" of self-discovery".

What is a more formal alternative to "setting out on a journey"?

A more formal alternative to "setting out on a journey" is "commencing a voyage" or "embarking on a quest", depending on the specific context and tone you want to convey.

Is "setting out on a journey" only used for physical travel?

No, "setting out on a journey" can be used both for physical travel and metaphorical journeys. It's often used to describe the beginning of a new phase in life, a personal quest, or a challenging undertaking. For example, you might say someone is "embarking on a path" to a new career.

What's the difference between "setting out on a journey" and "going on a trip"?

"Setting out on a journey" often implies a longer, more significant, or more adventurous undertaking than "going on a trip". "Going on a trip" is more general and can refer to any travel, while "setting out on a journey" carries a sense of purpose and exploration.