setting the stage

USAGE SUMMARY

'setting the stage' is a correct phrase in written English.
You use it to refer to creating the necessary conditions that will allow something to happen or be achieved. For example: "By quickly organizing the event, we were able to set the stage for a successful launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Setting the stage a.

The Guardian - Tech

"Setting the Stage," in Introduction to Metadata.

Columbia University

A summary of the conversations constitutes "Setting the Stage," herein.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You're setting the stage, spelling out the vision.

The New York Times

"I feel that I'm setting the stage," he says.

The New Yorker

Joe Mauer was intentionally walked, setting the stage for Kubel.

The New York Times

In theatrical terms he is setting the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

That killed off the dinosaurs, setting the stage for mammals and eventually us to evolve.

Columbia University

At the same time, we are setting the stage to translate these findings into novel therapeutics.

Stanford University

That's the motivation setting the stage for Lunascript, a reactive programming framework for web apps.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Drought, heat, and pests are damaging forests and setting the stage for wildfires.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting the stage" when you want to convey that current actions are creating the necessary context for future events or developments. It works well in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "setting the stage" in literal contexts related to theater or performances unless you intend to invoke the idiomatic meaning. For example, don't say "The crew is setting the stage" when you mean they are literally arranging props; instead, say "The crew is preparing the set".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting the stage" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verbal phrase that describes the act of creating preparatory conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting the stage" is a widely recognized idiom that signifies the creation of necessary conditions for a future event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys broad applicability across various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and business environments. The phrase functions as a verbal phrase to describe preparatory actions and carries a generally neutral tone suitable for professional communication. Alternatives include "paving the way" and "laying the groundwork", each with nuanced differences. When using "setting the stage", ensure it reflects a preparatory context, avoiding literal interpretations related to physical stages unless intended to evoke the idiomatic meaning. To summarize, this versatile idiom is an effective tool for conveying the deliberate establishment of favorable conditions for future developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paving the way

Focuses more on removing obstacles for future action.

laying the groundwork

Emphasizes the foundational work needed before progress can be made.

preparing the ground

Similar to laying the groundwork but slightly less common.

creating the conditions

More formal and less idiomatic than "setting the stage".

establishing a foundation

Highlights building a firm base for later development.

building a platform

Implies creating something that others can build upon.

making preparations

A more general term for getting ready.

getting ready

Simple and direct, lacking the figurative aspect of "setting the stage".

clearing the path

Suggests removing obstacles to make progress easier.

priming the pump

Idiomatic expression suggesting initial action to stimulate further activity.

FAQs

What does "setting the stage" mean?

The phrase "setting the stage" means creating the circumstances or conditions that make something possible or likely to happen. It's often used to describe actions that prepare for future events or developments.

How can I use "setting the stage" in a sentence?

You can use "setting the stage" to describe how current actions are creating a foundation for future events. For example, "The new policies are "setting the stage" for economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "setting the stage"?

Alternatives to "setting the stage" include "paving the way", "laying the groundwork", or "creating the conditions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "setting the stage" formal or informal?

"Setting the stage" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. While it's an idiom, it's widely understood and accepted in various types of writing and speech.