they are setting about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are setting about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initiation of a task or project, indicating that someone is starting to work on something. Example: "They are setting about organizing the annual charity event, ensuring everything is in place for a successful gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the meantime they are setting about beguiling and converting the necessary "shakers and movers," as Christo calls them.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some countries are setting about it the right way.

The Economist

Netflix, in a note to investors, has said that they are set to lose about one million more subscribers than they thought they would following the big price change of July 2011.

HuffPost

In his collected letters, Master Rennyo instructs and advises us not to aggressively try to change someone's mind, if they are set in their thoughts about such an important basic matter.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They are set in their ways about their classes, and tend to lecture blandly.

CBE Life Sciences Education

They are set by Visa and MasterCard, which control about 80 percent of the market.

The New York Times

Set them on the sheet 2 inches apart, and bake on the oven rack until they are set and lightly browned on top, about 25 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

The $90 million deal comes less than two weeks after Department of Health and Human Services officials said they were setting aside about $1 billion to test and purchase vaccines for the national stockpile to fight the unusual virus strain, called swine-origin influenza A (H1N1).

The Washington Post

Wave breakers are set about 50 m from the shoreline.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

"Clients need to be very careful about how they're setting up partnerships.

The New York Times

After an extended back and forth about whether they were setting a positive example for children, both candidates responded with vagaries.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "they are starting to" in more casual contexts for clearer and more immediate understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "they are setting about" in very informal conversations or writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are setting about" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the initiation of an action or task by a group. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are setting about" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to indicate the commencement of a task by a group, as validated by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, it appears across various contexts including news, science, and academia. For more casual settings, consider simpler alternatives such as "they are starting to" or "they are beginning to". The phrase is considered neutral in register and is best used to convey a deliberate or intentional start to an activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are starting to

This alternative offers a more common and straightforward way to express the beginning of an action.

they are beginning to

This phrase is nearly synonymous, emphasizing the initial phase of an activity.

they are commencing to

Using "commencing" adds a slightly more formal tone to indicate the start of something.

they are undertaking to

This implies a more significant or challenging endeavor is being initiated.

they are getting ready to

This suggests preparation and anticipation before starting an action.

they are preparing to

This highlights the preparatory actions before beginning a task.

they are moving to

This alternative conveys progression toward a new stage or task.

they are proceeding to

This suggests a formal or structured progression towards a specific action.

they are launching into

This implies a vigorous or enthusiastic start to a new project or task.

they are embarking on

This alternative suggests beginning a journey or significant undertaking.

FAQs

What does "they are setting about" mean?

The phrase "they are setting about" means that a group of people is beginning or starting to do something, often with a sense of purpose or intention.

What can I say instead of "they are setting about"?

You can use alternatives like "they are starting to", "they are beginning to", or "they are getting ready to depending on the context".

Is "they are setting about" formal or informal?

The phrase "they are setting about" tends to be more formal than other alternatives like "they are starting to" or "they are beginning to".

How to use "they are setting about" in a sentence?

You can use "they are setting about" in sentences such as: "They are setting about organizing the event" or "They are setting about implementing the new strategy".