10 Phrasal Verbs with 'Set'

Master Everyday Conversations: Understanding the Meaning and Application of Common Phrasal Verbs. Elevate Your Language Fluency with Essential Phrasal Verbs Tailored for Everyday Life

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Set About

To start doing something

Examples:

After careful planning, the team set about implementing the new project, assigning tasks to each member
As spring arrived, they set about planting garden, choosing flowers and vegetables to enhance their backyard

To attack somebody

Example:

The argument over a trivial matter quickly escalated, and soon, patrons were setting about one another in a bar fight

Know more about this phrasal verb in the Cambridge Dictionary

Set Apart

To make something or someone distinct or special, often by highlighting unique qualities or characteristics

Examples:

The architect designed the building with innovative features that set it apart from others in the city.
The rare combination of skills and expertise sets him apart as a leader in his field

Know more about this phrasal verb in the Cambridge Dictionary

Set Off

To begin a journey

Examples:

The friends loaded up the car with snacks and camping gear, ready to set off on a spontaneous road trip to the coast
With their backpacks packed and passports in hand, the travelers set off on a year-long backpacking adventure around the world

To cause an activity or series of events

Examples:

The dry conditions and high winds set off a series of forest fires
The data breach set off a series of cybersecurity measures, prompting organizations to enhance their digital security protocols
The unexpected economic report set off fluctuations in the stock market, causing uncertainty among investors

To make something explode

Examples:

The demolition team strategically set off explosives to bring down the old building safely
The pyrotechnician carefully set off the fireworks, creating a dazzling display of colors in the night sky

Know more about this phrasal verb in the Cambridge Dictionary

Set Out

To begin an activity with a particular goal

Examples:

Equipped with language textbooks and online courses, she set out to learn a new language, aspiring to achieve fluency in a year
With a business plan in hand, she set out to establish her own company, hoping to create innovative products in the tech industry

To explain something, clarify or give exact details, usually in writing

Example:

In the report, the researcher set out the methodology used to conduct the experiment
In the document, the guidelines set out the expectations for employees regarding workplace conduct

To arrange something in an attractive or organized way

Example:

The gardener set out the flowers in a beautiful pattern, creating a visually appealing garden
The artist set out her paintings in a gallery, creating an immersive and colorful exhibit

Know more about this phrasal verb in the Cambridge Dictionary

Set Up

To establish a new company, organization, system, way of working, etc.

Examples:

After years of planning, they successfully set up their own software development company.
They decided to set up a new restaurant in the downtown area
The government is aiming to set up a more efficient public transportation system in the city

To arrange for something to happen

Examples:

The HR department will set up interviews for the job applicants next week
They are working hard to set up a grand opening ceremony for the new store
I’ll set up a meeting with the team to discuss the project timeline

To provide somebody with the money or other support that someone needs for an important task or activity.

Examples:

The government decided to set up scientists and researchers with grants to conduct critical studies on climate change
A business incubator set up the ambitious innovator with mentorship, workspace, and funding for their new business venture
The art gallery set up emerging artists with the resources required to showcase their work in a solo exhibition

To ready something for use

Examples:

I need to set up the new computer with the necessary software and configurations before I can start using it
Artists spent hours setting up their paintings and sculptures for the art exhibition
Before cooking dinner, we need to set up the camping stove and ensure it’s working properly

To trick someone into appearing guilty of something they haven’t done

Examples:

A detective set up a crime scene with misleading evidence to make an innocent person appear guilty

Know more about this phrasal verb in the Cambridge Dictionary