setting up house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting up house" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of establishing a home or living arrangement, often in the context of a couple moving in together. Example: "After months of dating, they decided it was time for setting up house and began looking for an apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Not the best conditions for setting up house.

The New York Times

They talked about setting up house together with Baby Verl after they got out.

The New Yorker

He sees trouble moving out of the high-rent district and setting up house next door.

The New York Times

It was the early '70s and setting up house with someone of the same gender wasn't imaginable.

The New York Times

Soon he's setting up house with his pregnant girlfriend, Mahari (Meera Rohit Kumbhani), an Untouchable and a slave.

The New York Times

The final offer, $205,000, included the former owner's furniture, alleviating much of the daunting task of setting up house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

To set up house in Chevy Chase?

The New Yorker

Bob Dylan set up house in a windmill.

The New York Times - Travel

Shortly after returning to London they set up house there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Ron and Ms. Pisam set up house and had two daughters.

The New York Times

Zawahiri's wife, Azza, set up house in Peshawar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the initial stages of cohabitation, use "setting up house" to convey a sense of commitment and long-term planning.

Common error

Avoid using "setting up house" when describing temporary living situations or short-term rentals. This phrase implies a degree of permanence and investment in the location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting up house" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms it is used to describe the process of establishing a home or living arrangement, often in the context of a couple moving in together. Examples show it describing families moving, couples cohabitating, or even companies establishing a presence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting up house" is a common and acceptable idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of establishing a home. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and science. While alternatives like "establishing a household" or "making a home" exist, "setting up house" conveys a sense of commitment and long-term planning. It's important to avoid using the phrase in the context of temporary arrangements. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase is a reliable and effective way to describe the creation of a domestic environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing a household

Focuses on the formal act of creating a domestic unit.

starting a home

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

making a home

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of creating a comfortable living space.

establishing residence

Highlights the act of formally settling in a place.

moving in together

Specifically refers to couples starting to live in the same home.

creating a living space

Focuses on the physical act of designing and organizing a home.

nesting

Implies preparing a comfortable and safe home, often in anticipation of a new family member.

getting a place

A more casual and informal way to describe acquiring a home.

establishing a base

Implies setting up a primary location for operations or living.

making oneself at home

Refers to becoming comfortable and settled in a new environment.

FAQs

How can I use "setting up house" in a sentence?

"Setting up house" typically refers to establishing a home, often for a couple. For instance, "After they got married, they spent weeks "setting up house" in their new apartment".

What can I say instead of "setting up house"?

Alternatives include "establishing a household", "making a home", or "moving in together", depending on the context.

Is "setting up house" formal or informal?

"Setting up house" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal phrase, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. More formal alternatives exist, such as "establishing a residence".

What's the difference between "setting up house" and "finding a place to live"?

"Setting up house" implies more than just finding accommodation; it suggests creating a home and settling in. "Finding a place to live" is a broader term that can refer to temporary or permanent arrangements.