What does the phrasal verb “set off” mean?

What are the definitions of “set off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Explode a bomb.

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

• 2. Ring an alarm.

  The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

• 3. Start a journey.

  We SET OFF for work at seven - thirty.

• 4. Counterbalance a debt.

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

• 5. Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

  The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

• 6. Cause, trigger events.

  The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “set off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb set off is to start a journey or begin traveling. For example, it can mean leaving your house to go to work, starting a road trip, or beginning a long journey.

What are the different verb forms of “set off”?

Root Verb	set off
Third Person Singular Present	sets off
Present Participle	setting off
Simple Past	set off
Past Participle	set off

Example

We set off for our vacation early in the morning.

Example

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

Example

They are setting off on their road trip tomorrow.

Example

He set off for the airport two hours before his flight.

Example

They had set off on their journey before the storm arrived.

What kind of phrasal verb is “set off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“set off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The loud noise set off the car alarm.

Example

The fireworks set off a chain reaction of celebrations.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“set off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The loud noise set off the car alarm.

Example

The fireworks set off a chain reaction of celebrations.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “set off”?

Set off a bomb

To cause a bomb to explode.

Example

The terrorists set off a bomb in the city center.

Set off an alarm

To cause an alarm to ring or activate.

Example

The smoke from the kitchen set off the fire alarm.

Set off a chain of events

To trigger a series of events or actions.

Example

The announcement set off a wave of protests.

Good things to know

Does “set off” have an informal or formal tone?

Set off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “set off”?

Synonyms

• depart
• begin
• start
• embark
• launch
• commence
• trigger
• initiate
• provoke
• cause

Antonyms

• arrive
• end
• complete
• cease
• halt
• stop
• finish
• terminate