was set in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was set in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of a process, event, or action that has begun or been triggered. Example: "The project was set in motion after the board approved the funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was set in motion from 2013.

The Economist

A deal was set in motion.

The New York Times

All of this was set in motion before Rouhani".

The Guardian

A chain reaction of institutional shunning was set in motion.

The New Yorker

A two-week ride of improbability was set in motion.

The New York Times - Sports

The plan for the magazine was set in motion months ago.

The New York Times

The way the decade would pan out was set in motion that day.

The Guardian - Opinion

But apparently the whole scheme was set in motion by a German diplomat, Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz.

The Guardian - Books

And so was set in motion the pattern for the game: Brazilian attacking, and Italian resistance.

The Guardian - Sport

A plan to reintroduce them was set in motion in 1995.

The New York Times - Books

As a child he assumed that somehow the world was set in motion by his awaking.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was set in motion" to clearly indicate the beginning of a process, event, or series of actions. This phrase works well when emphasizing the initiation of something significant.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "was set in motion" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For example, instead of "The plan was set in motion by the committee", consider "The committee set the plan in motion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was set in motion" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular event, process, or plan has been initiated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English, as shown in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was set in motion" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the beginning of a process, event, or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, making it appropriate for various writing styles. When using the phrase, consider whether an active voice might be more impactful. Alternatives such as "was initiated" or "was triggered" may be suitable depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Overall, "was set in motion" is a reliable and effective way to communicate that something has commenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was put in motion

Similar, but uses 'put' instead of 'set'.

was initiated

Focuses more on the formal commencement of something.

was triggered

Emphasizes a reactive start, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

was started

A simpler and more general term for beginning something.

was commenced

More formal than "was started", indicating an official beginning.

was launched

Suggests a deliberate and often public beginning, like a campaign or product.

was activated

Implies bringing something from a dormant to an active state.

was unleashed

Suggests a powerful and uncontrolled release or beginning.

was instigated

Implies that someone or something initiated the event.

was prompted

Suggests a stimulus or encouragement to begin something.

FAQs

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

You can use "was set in motion" to describe the beginning of a process or series of events, as in, "The project "was set in motion" after the funding was approved".

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

Alternatives include "was initiated", "was triggered", or "was started", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was set in motion"?

While "was set in motion" is in the passive voice, consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct. For instance, instead of "The process "was set in motion" by the team", you could say "The team set the process in motion".

What does "was set in motion" imply?

The phrase implies that something has begun or been initiated, often suggesting a chain of events or a process that is now underway.