Learn 20 ESSENTIAL collocations with the verb SET

Learn 20 ESSENTIAL collocations with the verb SET

Jun 30, 2023

What are collocations?

Collocations are word combinations that frequently occur together in natural language usage. Examples of collocations include "strong coffee," "make a decision," and "take a shower."


Why study collocations?

Studying collocations is important because it helps improve language fluency, naturalness, and accuracy. It expands vocabulary, enhances understanding of language patterns, and enables effective communication by using combinations of words that native speakers commonly use. Studying collocations also helps avoid errors, improves reading and listening comprehension, and enhances academic and professional communication skills.


Here are 20 ESSENTIAL collocations with the verb SET


set the price


DEFINITION:

To determine the value or cost of something and establish it as the selling price.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The company decided to set the price of their new product at $50 per unit.
  2. The antique dealer was able to set a fair price for the rare watch.


set a record


DEFINITION:

To establish or achieve a new highest or best performance in a particular field or activity.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The athlete set a new world record in the 100-meter race.
  2. The company's sales team set a record for the most sales in a month.


set rules


DEFINITION:

To establish a set of guidelines or regulations to follow.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The company set strict rules for safety and security in the workplace.
  2. The government set new rules to regulate the use of plastic bags in supermarkets.


set sail


DEFINITION:

To start a journey by boat or ship.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The sailors set sail at dawn and arrived at the port in the evening.
  2. The cruise ship set sail from Miami and headed to the Caribbean islands.


set the table


DEFINITION:

To arrange the dishes, utensils, and other items needed for a meal on a table.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The hostess set the table for the dinner party.
  2. The children helped their mother set the table for Thanksgiving dinner.


set a target


DEFINITION:

To establish a specific goal or objective to achieve.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The company set a target of increasing their profits by 20% in the next fiscal year.
  2. The teacher set a target of improving the students' reading skills by the end of the semester.


set the thermostat


DEFINITION:

To adjust the temperature of a heating or cooling system to a desired level.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The homeowner set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house.
  2. The hotel receptionist instructed the guest on how to set the thermostat in the room.


set an alarm


DEFINITION:

To program a device to emit a sound or signal at a specified time to remind someone of something or wake them up.


EXAMPLES:

  1. I always set an alarm to make sure I wake up on time for work.
  2. She set an alarm on her phone to remind her to take her medication.


set a timer


DEFINITION:

To program a device to count down a specified amount of time and emit a sound or signal when the time is up.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She set a timer for 30 minutes to remind him to take a break from studying.
  2. He set a timer on the oven to make sure the cookies didn't burn.


set the date


DEFINITION:

To choose and confirm a specific day for an event or activity to take place.


EXAMPLES:

  1. They set the date for their wedding for next summer.
  2. She set the date for her book launch event and started sending out invitations.


set the time


DEFINITION:

To choose and confirm a specific time for an event or activity to take place.


EXAMPLES:

  1. They set the time for their dinner party to start at 7 pm.
  2. She set the time for the conference call with her colleagues.


set a fire / set something on fire


DEFINITION:

To cause something to start burning.


EXAMPLES:

  1. He set a fire in the fireplace to warm up the room.
  2. He accidentally set his sleeve on fire while cooking.


set foot


DEFINITION:

To enter a place or start a new experience.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She was excited to set foot in Paris for the first time.
  2. He never thought he would set foot in a casino, but he was dragged there by his friends.


set free


DEFINITION:

To release someone or something from captivity, confinement, or obligation.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The prisoner was set free after serving his sentence.
  2. She set free the bird that she had nursed back to health.


set a goal


DEFINITION:

To establish a specific objective to be achieved.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She set a goal to run a marathon by the end of the year.
  2. He set a goal to save more money every month.


set a good example / set a bad example


DEFINITION:

To behave in a way that others may imitate or avoid.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She always tries to set a good example for her younger sister.
  2. He set a bad example by cursing in front of his younger cousin.


set a limit


DEFINITION:

To establish a boundary or threshold beyond which something is not permitted or allowed.


EXAMPLES:

  1. He set a limit on how much screen time his children could have each day.
  2. They set a limit on how many people could attend the party.


set a precedent


DEFINITION:

To establish a standard or example that may serve as a guide or justification for future decisions or actions.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The court's ruling set a precedent for future cases involving similar issues.
  2. His success as an entrepreneur set a precedent for others


set the tone


DEFINITION:

To establish the mood or attitude of a situation or event.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The first few minutes of a speech can set the tone for the entire presentation.
  2. The scowl on the manager’s face set the tone for the serious meeting.


set a trap


DEFINITION 1:

To set up a plan or device to catch someone in a wrongdoing or mistake.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The detectives set a trap to catch the thief in the act.
  2. The detective suspected foul play and decided to set a trap to catch the elusive criminal. 


DEFINITION 2:

To lure someone into a difficult or dangerous situation.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The scammer set a trap by sending emails with links to steal personal information.
  2. The online predator set a trap by pretending to be a young teenager, attempting to lure unsuspecting individuals into meeting him in person.


set a trend


DEFINITION 1:

To start a new fashion or popular style.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The singer's unique style set a trend that quickly became popular.
  2. The movie's main actress's hairstyle set a trend, leading to a surge in requests at hair salons for the same look. 


DEFINITION 2:

To create a new behavior or habit that becomes widely followed.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The fitness influencer's workout routines set a trend among her followers.
  2. The popular book on minimalism set a trend of decluttering and simplifying possessions, inspiring many to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.