to set in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"to set in motion" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to initiating an action or process. Example: "The manager decided to set in motion the new marketing strategy." Alternative expressions include "to initiate" and "to launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The arrest seemed to set in motion the trouble in Villa Ahumada.

The New York Times

The term hormone is derived from the Greek hormaein, meaning "to set in motion".

Encyclopedia Britannica

His goal was to set in motion a revolution controlled from above.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Swirl each wine in its glass to set in motion convection currents that will heighten the bouquets.

The New York Times

The firm issued a report in July, giving Bishop Daily grounds to set in motion the criminal inquiry.

The New York Times

We wanted to set in motion something that effects the league when we are gone," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2011 the 20 February Movement called for greater democracy, helping to set in motion the current changes in Morocco.

The Guardian

But it was long enough to set in motion the economic reforms that dominated the following two decades.

The New York Times

"I was pleased to be involved in trying to set in motion a process of healing and under standing.

The Guardian

Each player had a timer to set in motion when considering a move and to stop after the move.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even as I marvelled at how many great things he managed to set in motion within the first 24 hours – 24 hours!

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to set in motion" when you want to emphasize the initiation of a process that will likely have a series of subsequent effects or steps. For example, "The investigation to set in motion a series of reforms within the organization."

Common error

Avoid using "to set in motion" for actions that are simple beginnings without significant subsequent effects. Instead of saying "He set in motion the process of opening the door", use "He started to open the door".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to set in motion" functions as an infinitive phrase that often serves as a purpose clause or part of a verb phrase. It signifies initiating a process or action that has subsequent and often cascading effects. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to set in motion" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of initiating a process or action with subsequent effects. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it conveys the start of something that triggers a chain of events. While versatile and suitable for various contexts, including encyclopedias and science, it's important to use it when emphasizing the unfolding process rather than a singular action. Alternatives like "to initiate", "to trigger", and "to launch" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to initiate

More formal and direct, focusing on the commencement of something.

to trigger

Implies a cause-and-effect relationship, where something is started by a specific event.

to spark

Suggests a sudden and often energetic beginning.

to launch

Often used in the context of projects, campaigns, or products.

to activate

Implies making something operational or functional.

to instigate

Suggests urging or provoking something to begin, sometimes with a negative connotation.

to commence

A formal synonym for 'to begin'.

to set off

Similar to 'trigger', suggesting a chain reaction.

to start

A general term for beginning an activity or process.

to get underway

Suggests that something has begun and is progressing.

FAQs

How can I use "to set in motion" in a sentence?

Use "to set in motion" to describe initiating a process or action that is expected to have ongoing effects or multiple steps. For instance, "The new policy is designed to set in motion a series of positive changes within the company".

What are some alternatives to "to set in motion"?

You can use alternatives like "to initiate", "to trigger", or "to launch", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "to set in motion" or "to start"?

"To set in motion" implies a process with multiple steps or ongoing effects, while "to start" is a more general term for beginning an action. Use "to set in motion" when you want to emphasize the cascading effects of the initial action.

What is the difference between "to set in motion" and "to instigate"?

"To set in motion" is generally neutral and refers to initiating a process. "To instigate" often implies urging or provoking something to begin, sometimes carrying a negative connotation. Choose the term that best reflects the intent and nature of the action being described.