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Phrasal verbs "set forth" vs "set off"

Differences between set forth and set off

Set forth means to explain or present something in a detailed and organized manner, while set off means to start a journey or trip.

Meanings and Definitions: set forth vs set off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Set forth

  • 1State or outline an opinion.

    He SET FORTH his ideas in his autobiography.

  • 2Start a journey.

    We SET FORTH at daybreak for the summit of the mountain.

Set off

  • 1Explode a bomb.

    Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city centre last night. Fortunately, no - one was hurt or killed.

  • 2Ring an alarm.

    The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

  • 3Start a journey.

    We SET OFF for work at seven - thirty.

  • 4Counterbalance a debt.

    The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at home.

  • 5Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

    The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

  • 6Cause, trigger events.

    The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

Usage Examples: set forth, set off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

set forth

Example

She set forth her proposal during the meeting.

Example

He sets forth his argument in the essay.

set off

Example

We set off for our vacation early in the morning.

Example

She sets off for work at 7:30 every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set forth

lay out

To present or explain something in a clear and organized manner.

Example

She laid out her plan for the project in a detailed report.

state clearly

To express or communicate something in a precise and unambiguous way.

Example

He stated clearly his objections to the proposed changes in the company's policies.

enumerate

To list or specify items or details one by one.

Example

The report enumerated the benefits and drawbacks of the new marketing strategy.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set off

embark on

To start or begin a journey or trip.

Example

They embarked on a road trip across the country to explore new places and meet new people.

take off

To leave or depart from a place, especially for a trip or journey.

Example

The plane took off from the runway and headed towards its destination.

hit the road

To start a journey or trip, especially by car or motorcycle.

Example

After packing their bags, they hit the road and drove towards the mountains for a weekend getaway.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in set forth vs set off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: set forth or set off?

In daily conversation, people use set off more often than set forth. This is because set off is used for more common activities such as traveling or leaving a place. Set forth is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about presenting an idea or argument. So, while both phrases are used, set off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of set forth and set off

Set forth and set off are both formal phrases that can be used in academic or business contexts. However, set forth is more commonly used in legal documents or contracts to present terms and conditions, while set off is used in travel-related documents such as itineraries or tickets.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of set forth and set off

The tone of set forth and set off can differ based on context. Set forth often carries a serious or formal tone when related to presenting information or arguments, while set off typically has a more casual and adventurous tone, especially when referring to starting a journey or trip.

set forth & set off: Synonyms and Antonyms

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