setting out on a task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting out on a task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning or initiation of a specific task or project. Example: "After careful planning, we are now setting out on a task to improve our community garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I reach "International House", the modest, functional home of the EAPPI workers, and drink tea before setting out on a walk from Upper Yanoun to Lower Yanoun, a task that the boys undertake twice daily to show their presence.

Vice

The young otter Flibbertigibbet sets out on a fairytale journey to complete a task which takes him far from home.

The Guardian - Books

Faced with the task of keeping a living thing safe, they set out on a journey through the expansive and expanding desert -- and meet some shady characters along the way.

Huffington Post

I set out on a long journey.

The New Yorker

Last weekend I set out on a walk.

Huffington Post

I set out on a mission.

Huffington Post

Mr. Mandela set out on the task of cementing national unity by persuading both sides of the ethnic divide that the Springboks were one team for one country.

The New York Times

Not all task force members were necessarily committed to the idea of a moratorium before setting out on their nationwide listening tour.

Huffington Post

In 2002, following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, UNMAS — the UN agency in charge of mine clearance worldwide — set out on the massive task to free the country of all mines by 2023, a deadline UN officials say they are confident they will meet.

Vice

Conover set out on the herculean task of getting the consent required from every participant in the concert.

The New York Times - Arts

For some inexplicable, perhaps Super-Size-Me reason, Queenan set out on the marathon task of watching the entire Bergman oeuvre "in rigorous chronological order over the course of six weeks".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting out on a task" when you want to emphasize the commencement of a specific, defined activity or project. It often implies a sense of purpose and direction.

Common error

Avoid using "setting out on a task" in extremely casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "starting" or "beginning" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting out on a task" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement or beginning of an activity or project. It positions the subject as actively initiating a specific action.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting out on a task" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the beginning of a specific activity or project. While the usage of this phrase is deemed correct according to Ludwig, the phrase is rarely found in contemporary writing. Semantically related phrases include "embarking on a mission" and "commencing a project". When using this phrase, it is advisable to consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the level of formality required. The phrase is most suitable for neutral to formal situations but could be considered stilted in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarking on a mission

Replaces "task" with "mission", suggesting a more significant or strategic undertaking.

commencing a project

Substitutes "setting out" with "commencing", indicating a formal start to a defined project.

undertaking an endeavor

Uses "endeavor" instead of "task", implying a challenging or ambitious effort.

launching an initiative

Replaces "setting out" with "launching", suggesting a public or formal introduction of an initiative.

starting on an assignment

Changes "task" to "assignment", indicating a specific duty typically given by someone else.

beginning a quest

Replaces "task" with "quest", implying a long and adventurous undertaking.

tackling a job

Uses "tackling" to emphasize dealing with a potentially difficult job.

getting underway with a task

Emphasizes the process of beginning a task by using "getting underway".

setting about a job

The phrasing changes from "setting out on a task" to "setting about a job", which is more direct and less formal.

initiating an operation

Replaces "setting out" with "initiating" and "task" with "operation", suggesting a structured and often complex activity.

FAQs

What does "setting out on a task" mean?

The phrase "setting out on a task" means to begin or commence working on a specific duty or project. It implies a deliberate start with a clear objective.

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

You can use "setting out on a task" to describe the start of any planned activity. For example: "After months of planning, we are finally "setting out on a task" to renovate the old community center."

What can I say instead of "setting out on a task"?

You can use alternatives like "embarking on a mission", "commencing a project", or "undertaking an endeavor", depending on the context.

Is "setting out on a task" formal or informal?

"Setting out on a task" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. While understandable in most contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for very casual conversations.