What are the definitions of “set out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Display, show.
The figures are SET OUT in the council's annual report.
- 2Start a journey.
The explorers SET OUT for the South Pole yesterday morning.
- 3Arrange, organise.
The contract SETS OUT all the details of the agreement.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “set out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb set out is to start a journey or begin an activity with a specific goal in mind. For example, it can mean leaving for a trip, starting a project, or embarking on a new adventure.
What are the different verb forms of “set out”?
| Root Verb | set out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sets out |
| Present Participle | setting out |
| Simple Past | set out |
| Past Participle | set out |
Example
They set out on their road trip early in the morning.
Example
She sets out for work at 7 AM every day.
Example
He is setting out to achieve his goals this year.
Example
Yesterday, they set out to find the hidden treasure.
Example
The team had set out to complete the project on time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “set out”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“set out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We set out early to avoid traffic.
Example
The explorers set out for the South Pole yesterday morning.
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 out” 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
We set out early to avoid traffic.
Example
The explorers set out for the South Pole yesterday morning.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “set out”?
Good things to know
Does “set out” have an informal or formal tone?
Set out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
