What are the definitions of “set on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attack.
He was SET ON when he left the bar.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “set on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb set on is to attack someone or something. It usually refers to a sudden and unexpected act of aggression or violence.
What are the different verb forms of “set on”?
| Root Verb | set on |
| Third Person Singular Present | sets on |
| Present Participle | setting on |
| Simple Past | set on |
| Past Participle | set on |
Example
The dog set on the intruder.
Example
The cat sets on the mouse.
Example
The gang is setting on the rival group.
Example
The bees set on the person who disturbed their hive.
Example
The angry mob had set on the thief.
What kind of phrasal verb is “set on”?
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 on” 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 dog set on the intruder.
Example
The bees set on the person who disturbed their hive.
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 on” 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 dog set on the intruder.
Example
The bees set on the person who disturbed their hive.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “set on”?
Good things to know
Does “set on” have an informal or formal tone?
Set on 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, depending on the specific context.
