Phrasal verbs "set back" vs "set to"

Differences between set back and set to

Set back means to delay or hinder progress, while set to means to start working on something with determination.

Meanings and Definitions: set back vs set to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Set back

• 1. Cost.

  The car repairs SET me BACK eight hundred pounds.

• 2. Delay.

  The accident SET the project BACK several months.

Set to

• 1. Work hard or enthusiastically.

  If we all SET TO, we should be able to finish this in a few hours.

Usage Examples: set back, set to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

set back

Example

The unexpected issue set back the project by a week.

Example

The new computer sets him back a thousand dollars.

set to

Example

If we all set to, we should be able to finish this in a few hours.

Example

She sets to her work with determination and focus.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set back

hold up

To cause a delay or interruption in progress.

Example

The traffic jam held up the delivery truck for an hour.

slow down

To reduce the speed or pace of something.

Example

The rainy weather slowed down the construction work on the highway.

put off

To postpone or delay something until a later time.

Example

She decided to put off her vacation plans until next year due to financial constraints.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set to

get down to

To start doing something seriously or with focus.

Example

After procrastinating for weeks, he finally got down to writing his thesis.

dive into

To start doing something enthusiastically or with great interest.

Example

She dived into learning a new language and even started watching foreign movies without subtitles.

tackle

To start working on a difficult or challenging task with determination.

Example

He decided to tackle the messy garage and spent the whole weekend organizing it.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

• set in
• set apart
• set off
• set to
• set up

Phrasal Verbs with “back”

• strike back
• tail back
• tie back
• send back
• ring back

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• grow to
• reduce to
• keep to
• see to
• gear to

Differences in set back vs set to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: set back or set to?

In daily conversation, people use set back more often than set to. This is because set back is used for more common situations such as traffic or bad weather delaying someone's arrival. Set to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a task or project. So, while both phrases are used, set back is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of set back and set to

Set back and set to are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of set back and set to

The tone of set back and set to can differ based on context. Set back often carries a disappointed or frustrated tone when related to delays or obstacles, while set to typically has a determined and motivated tone, especially when referring to starting a new project or task.

set back & set to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Set back

Synonyms

• delay
• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• postpone
• cost
• expense
• price

Antonyms

• advance
• expedite
• hasten
• accelerate
• save
• economize
• speed up

Set to

Synonyms

• begin
• start
• commence
• embark
• tackle
• get to work
• launch into
• dive in

Antonyms

• stop
• cease
• halt
• discontinue
• rest
• pause
• delay
• procrastinate