they are set

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are set" is a correct form of written English.
It is used to indicate that something is certain or has been established. For example, "We've already discussed the plans for our vacation, they are set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are set up for failure.

The New York Times

They are set to appeal the decision.

Independent

"They are set up for crushing failure".

The New York Times - Food

They are set by nature.

The New York Times

They are set on saving the world.

The Guardian

How they are set up matters absolutely.

The Guardian

They are set to grow a further 20% by 2015.

The Economist

Both look as if they are set up for visitors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are set to be sentenced in April.

The New York Times

They worry me until they are set forth in words".

The Guardian - Opinion

They are set, as well, among exhalations of charnel horror.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are set" when you want to indicate that something is not only ready, but also arranged or destined to happen. It conveys a sense of certainty and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "they are set" solely to indicate readiness if the context implies a deeper arrangement or plan. If only readiness is meant, phrases like "they are ready" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are set" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state of readiness, arrangement, or inevitability. Ludwig shows various examples where it describes plans, conditions, or future events. It affirms that a subject is in a condition to proceed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are set" is grammatically correct and very common in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It generally indicates that something is ready, arranged, or destined to happen. While the phrase is used across different contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science, showing a certain versatility. When considering alternatives, "they are prepared" or "they are ready" can often be used, though nuances may shift slightly. Understanding the contexts for "they are set" can improve writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are prepared

Uses "prepared" to emphasize readiness, rather than a planned arrangement.

they are ready

Focuses on the state of being ready, omitting the nuance of being arranged or destined.

they are scheduled

Specifically indicates a planned time or event, rather than a general arrangement.

they are arranged

Emphasizes the act of arranging, not necessarily the readiness or inevitability.

they are destined

Implies a predetermined fate, adding a sense of inevitability that "they are set" might not always convey.

they are poised

Suggests a state of balance and readiness, often for action or a change.

they are organized

Highlights the structured arrangement, rather than the readiness or intended outcome.

they are equipped

Focuses on providing necessary resources or tools, not necessarily the arrangement or readiness.

they are in place

Highlights the physical positioning or arrangement, rather than the readiness or planned action.

they are established

Suggests a settled or confirmed status, moving away from the sense of preparation.

FAQs

What does "they are set" mean?

"They are set" means that something is ready, arranged, or destined to happen. It implies a state of preparedness and often suggests a plan or intention behind it.

What can I say instead of "they are set"?

You can use alternatives like "they are prepared", "they are ready", or "they are scheduled" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "they're set" a correct contraction of "they are set"?

Yes, "they're set" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "they are set". It's commonly used in informal writing and speech.

What's the difference between "they are set" and "they are setting"?

"They are set" implies a state of being ready or arranged, while "they are setting" implies an action of preparing or arranging something. For example, "They are set to begin" (ready to begin) versus "They are setting the table" (preparing the table).