when set against it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when set against it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare or contrast something with another element or situation, often highlighting differences or implications. Example: "The benefits of the new policy are significant when set against it, the potential drawbacks seem minimal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was sick, especially when set against its academic, Waspy background.

The Guardian - Books

America's corporate cash pile looks less impressive when set against its debts.

The Economist

The tentative and amorphous $800 billion stimulus proposed by Obama last week sounds like a lot, but it's a drop in the bucket when set against the damage it must help counteract: more than $10 trillion in new debt and new obligations piled up by the Bush administration in eight years, as calculated by the economists Linda J. Bilmes and Joseph E. Stiglitz in the current Harper's Magazine.

The New York Times

Responding to the Law Commission's recommendations, the Ministry of Justice explained that "without certainty as to the offsetting savings which might be achieved, when set against current resource constraints it is not feasible to implement the proposals in full at this time".

The Guardian

He argued that the loss of control over a crucial pillar of the economy to a higher EU authority was worth it when set against the chance to end the insidious and corrupt relationship between bankers, politicians and the professional classes, which had so far proved impossible to break.

The Guardian

"Tamara Drewe" is a moderately diverting movie that will seem like much more when set against other, bigger films of its kind.

The New York Times

It is especially jarring when set against the popular image of Britain as a more decorous and civil place than most.

The Economist

It does not sound much when set against the impact of climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

That might sound like a cop-out -- especially when set against the ideology behind the Civil Rights struggles -- but it's understandable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The transformation from loss into profit is remarkable when set against the background of the paper's enormous losses when it was a paid-for title.

The Guardian

In this formidable pairing, one licks the clam from the shell and immediately notices its natural sweetness when set against the pungent black sauce.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when set against it" to carefully evaluate the implications of a particular factor or situation in relation to a specific point of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "when set against it" for straightforward comparisons where simpler phrases like "compared to it" would suffice. This keeps your writing concise and avoids unnecessary complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when set against it" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a conditional clause. It establishes a context for comparison, indicating that the assessment or impact of something should be evaluated in relation to a particular standard or reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when set against it" is a grammatically sound construction used to create a framework for comparative evaluation. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is currently missing in Ludwig's database, indicating that examples are sparse. While appropriate for various contexts, "when set against it" is most effective when emphasizing the specific implications of a comparison, as opposed to simply stating differences. Therefore, it is essential to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "when set against it" or a simpler alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to it

This alternative offers a more direct and simple comparison, lacking the nuance of "set against".

in comparison with it

This alternative is more formal but maintains a similar level of direct comparison.

when contrasted with it

This phrase emphasizes the differences between the items being compared.

relative to it

This option focuses on the proportional relationship between the items.

considering it

This alternative broadens the context to take "it" into account, rather than directly comparing.

taking it into account

Similar to 'considering it', but more explicit about including "it" in the evaluation.

weighing it against

This phrase implies a more deliberate and balanced assessment of value.

in light of it

This suggests understanding something based on the information provided by "it".

given it

This presents "it" as a condition or prerequisite for understanding something else.

judging by it

This indicates that a judgment or assessment is being made based on "it".

FAQs

How can I use "when set against it" in a sentence?

Use "when set against it" to compare or contrast something with a specific point of reference, highlighting the differences or implications. For example, "The benefits of the new policy are significant when set against it, the potential drawbacks seem minimal."

What are some alternatives to "when set against it"?

You can use alternatives such as "compared to it", "in comparison with it", or "when contrasted with it" depending on the desired nuance.

Is "when set against it" formal or informal?

"When set against it" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in very informal contexts.

When is it best to use "when set against it" over a simpler comparison?

Use "when set against it" when you want to emphasize the context and implications of the comparison, rather than just stating a simple difference. It's particularly useful when evaluating the significance of something in relation to a specific benchmark.