we set up

USAGE SUMMARY

"we set up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the action of putting something (for example, a business or a system) into motion. For example: "We set up a new online payment system for our customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We set up seminars.

The New York Times

So we set up our copy system.

The New York Times

We set up work placements.

The New York Times - Arts

So we set up the situation.

Cornell University

We set up a naturalistic recognition task.

Brain Research

We set up a machine gun.

The Guardian

That's why we set up the foundation".

The Guardian - Film

We set up two lab experiments.

The Guardian

It's why we set up these programmes".

The Guardian

We set up inquiry after inquiry.

The Guardian

We set up all the cameras.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we set up" to describe the initial arrangement or establishment of something, such as a system, organization, or event. For example: "We set up a booth at the conference."

Common error

Avoid using "was set up by us" when a more direct, active voice ("we set up") is clearer and more concise. Using the active voice makes your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we set up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of establishing, arranging, or initiating something. It's commonly used to describe the process of preparing or organizing a system, event, or organization, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we set up" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the action of establishing or arranging something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English across various contexts. Its widespread use in news, scientific, and academic publications highlights its general applicability. When using this phrase, remember that it indicates a completed action of establishing or arranging, distinct from actions currently in progress, and choose an alternative such as "we established" if a more formal tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we established

Formal synonym for "we set up", suitable for business or academic contexts.

we created

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence.

we organized

Emphasizes the structured arrangement of elements.

we arranged

Similar to 'organized' but can also refer to scheduling.

we prepared

Highlights the act of making something ready for use.

we initiated

Suggests the beginning or starting of a process or project.

we founded

Specifically refers to the establishment of an organization or institution.

we implemented

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

we built

Emphasizes the construction or creation of something tangible or intangible.

we configured

Refers to arranging or setting up components in a specific way.

FAQs

How can I use "we set up" in a sentence?

You can use "we set up" to describe the action of arranging, establishing, or initiating something. For example, "We set up a meeting with the client to discuss the project details."

What are some alternatives to "we set up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we established", "we organized", or "we created" instead of "we set up".

Is it correct to say "we were set up"?

Yes, but it has a different meaning. "We were set up" usually means someone tricked or framed you. For example, "We were set up by our competitors" means our competitors framed us.

When should I use "we set up" versus "we are setting up"?

"We set up" indicates a completed action in the past, while "we are setting up" indicates an action currently in progress. For instance, "We set up the system yesterday", versus "We are setting up the system right now".