setup

USAGE SUMMARY

"setup" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used as a noun to describe a set of items, an arrangement, or a plan in place. For example: "We have a setup ready for the event tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prout arose to help with a problematic area of this wonderful setup: Anything can break.

The Guardian

Saker was the only member of the coaching setup retained following the Ashes defeat but is now poised to return to his native Australia in a domestic role.

The Guardian - Sport

Taking pictures on the 4S is much quicker, and taking extra pictures is too I tried the camera on taking pictures, and the setup is really fast.

The Guardian - Tech

Having made his debut for the national team in 1991 under Arrigo Sacchi, Baggio had become a regular fixture in the Azzurri setup, however as the 1994 World Cup loomed, many felt he did not deserve a place in the squad.

The Guardian - Sport

It sounds like the setup for a joke; instead, it's yielded a series of radical ideas.

The Guardian

Trott has not been involved in the senior setup since leaving the 2013-14 Ashes tour after the first Test with a stress-related illness but a strong second-half to last season – he scored five centuries for Warwickshire – was followed by a spell captaining the England Lions in South Africa in January.

The Guardian - Sport

One of those experienced returning players is Katy Mclean, captain in the World Cup, vice-captain on Sunday, and one of the new professionals in the England setup.

The Guardian - Sport

The left-back will compete with Kieran Gibbs for a place in Roy Hodgson's team in Sunday's friendly against the Republic of Ireland and the Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia a week later, having broken back into the setup for the draw in Italy in March.

The Guardian - Sport

Trott has not been involved in the senior setup since leaving the 2013-14 Ashes tour after the first Test with a stress-related illness but scored five centuries for his county in the second half of last season and compiled an unbeaten double century while captaining the England Lions on their January tour of South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

The setup also means the street lanterns can be adapted to fit the weather, even flashing red to warn residents of approaching storms or floods.

The Guardian

"We're looking to see if that is a setup for the shooting, or did this individual just drive around looking for a police officer of some sort," Elder said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "setup", be specific about the purpose and components involved to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague references to a "setup" without detailing its key features, as this can confuse the reader. Instead, enumerate parts and steps of the arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "setup" is as a noun, referring to an arrangement or configuration of elements. Ludwig shows examples of it being used in diverse contexts, affirming its versatility. According to Ludwig AI, it's a "correct" word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setup" is a versatile and commonly used noun that describes the arrangement or configuration of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and widely accepted term. Its usage spans various contexts, from technical descriptions in science to everyday arrangements in news and media. While it is generally neutral in register, specifying the components and purpose of a "setup" enhances clarity and avoids vagueness. Consider using synonyms like "arrangement" or "configuration" to diversify your language. Mastering these nuances will allow you to use "setup" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrangement

Focuses on the organization of elements, similar to how "setup" implies a particular arrangement.

configuration

Highlights the specific way components are connected, akin to a technical "setup".

layout

Emphasizes the spatial arrangement, like the physical "setup" of a room or equipment.

apparatus

Refers to the equipment or machinery used for a specific purpose, matching the "setup" of a scientific instrument.

system

Implies a complex arrangement of interconnected components, similar to a well-designed "setup".

installation

Focuses on the act of putting something in place and making it ready for use, like a software "setup".

organization

Stresses the structured way of doing things, not the physical aspect.

structure

Highlights the relationship between components, similar to the functional layout of a "setup".

mechanism

Emphasizes the functioning of a whole by the working pieces, closely alligned to the "setup".

framework

Highlights the support structure more than the actual detailed construction of the "setup".

FAQs

How is "setup" used as a noun?

As a noun, "setup" refers to an arrangement, organization, or the way something is prepared or configured for a specific purpose. Examples include "laboratory setup" or "business setup".

What are some synonyms for "setup"?

Alternatives to "setup" include "arrangement", "configuration", and "layout", depending on the specific context.

Can "setup" be used as a verb?

While "setup" is primarily a noun, it's also the spelling used in some contexts for the phrasal verb "set up", meaning to arrange or prepare something. For example: "Let's set up the equipment".

How does a "setup" differ from a "system"?

A "setup" often refers to a more specific, localized arrangement, whereas a "system" implies a more complex, interconnected set of components working together.