Learn 13 Phrasal Verbs with SET

Learn 13 Phrasal Verbs with SET

Jul 15, 2023

What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs are multi-word verbs consisting of a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). They create idiomatic expressions with meanings that differ from the individual words. For example, "take off" means to remove or leave suddenly. They can be separable or inseparable, depending on whether the object can be placed between the verb and particle.


Why should I study phrasal verbs?

Learning phrasal verbs is essential for English learners as they are widely used in everyday communication, expand vocabulary, and enhance fluency.


Do you know these 13 phrasal verbs with SET?

set about


DEFINITION:

To begin doing something, usually a task or a project.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She set about cleaning the house, starting with the kitchen.
  2. He set about learning Chinese, spending several hours every day practicing.


set against


DEFINITION 1:

To be opposed to something or someone.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The community was set against the construction of a new highway, as it would cause environmental damage.
  2. She was set against the idea of getting a tattoo, as she believed it would be permanent and painful.


DEFINITION 2:

To cause two people or groups to fight each other although they were in a friendly relationship before.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The cruel teacher set the students against each other.
  2. During labor negotiations, management attempted to set the workers against one another.


set apart


DEFINITION:

To make someone or something different or distinct from others.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The team's captain was set apart from the rest of the players by her leadership skills and experience.
  2. Her talent for writing set her apart from her classmates, who struggled with the assignment.


set aside


DEFINITION 1:

To reserve or save something for a specific purpose or time.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She set aside some money each month to save for a down payment on a house.
  2. We should set aside some time each day to relax and unwind.


DEFINITION 2:

To not let a particular feeling, opinion, or belief influence you in order to achieve something more important.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The recently divorced couple set aside their feelings for the well-being of their child.
  2. Despite his personal dislike for his coworker, he set aside his animosity to collaborate on an important project.


set back


DEFINITION 1:

To delay or hinder progress or development.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The project was set back by several weeks due to unexpected technical difficulties.
  2. The team's loss in the championship game set back their hopes of winning a title.


DEFINITION 2:

To cost someone a particular amount of money, especially a large amount (informal).


EXAMPLES:

  1. The neighbor’s home renovations must have set them back at least $50,000.
  2. The unexpected car repair set me back $1,000, putting a strain on my budget.


set down


DEFINITION:

To write or record something.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The historian set down the details of the battle in a comprehensive chapter.
  2. The lawyer set down the terms of the contract.


set forth


DEFINITION 1:

To state or explain something clearly or in detail.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The proposal set forth a plan for reducing carbon emissions by 50% over the next decade.
  2. The CEO set forth the company's vision for the future in a public statement.


DEFINITION 2:

To start a journey, especially one that is long or difficult.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The characters set forth on their quest to the Lonely Mountain.
  2. After months of planning, the cyclists set forth on their cross-country tour, pedaling towards their destination.


set in


DEFINITION:

Used to talk about unpleasant things that starts to happen and have an effect, and are not likely to stop for a long time.

 

EXAMPLES:

  1. The feeling of despair began to set in as the pandemic wore on.
  2. The winter weather had set in, bringing cold temperatures and snow.


set off


DEFINITION:

To begin a journey.


EXAMPLES:

  1. We set off early to beat traffic.
  2. The family packed their bags and set off on a road trip across the country.


set off


DEFINITION:

To cause a bomb, alarm, or a series of things to occur.


EXAMPLES:

  1. Our neighbor sets off fireworks every Fourth of July.
  2. The news set off a chain reaction that affected financial markets around the world.


set on / upon


DEFINITION:

To attack or assault someone or something.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The dog set upon the cat, chasing it up a tree.
  2. The pirates set on the merchant ship and held the crew hostage.


set out


DEFINITION 1:

To begin a journey or course of action.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The hikers set out early in the morning to reach the summit before sunset.
  2. The adventurers set out on a quest to discover the hidden treasure.


DEFINITION 2:

To explain, describe, or arrange something in a clear and detailed way, especially in writing.


EXAMPLES:

  1. In their quarterly report, the corporation set out their financial position to investors.
  2. The professor set out the main objectives of the research project in the introductory section of the proposal.


DEFINITION 3:

To put something where it can be seen or used.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The organizers set out refreshments in the lobby outside of the conference hall for guests to enjoy during breaks.
  2. He set out the ingredients on the kitchen counter before starting to cook.


DEFINITION 4:

To start doing or working on something in order to achieve an aim.


EXAMPLES:

  1. She set out to turn her hobby into a profitable business.
  2. Determined to lose weight, he set out on a rigorous exercise regimen and healthy diet plan.


set to


DEFINITION:

To begin or start doing something energetically or with determination.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The students set to work on the group project, eager to complete it before the deadline.
  2. He set to cleaning the garage, determined to get it organized before the weekend.


set up


DEFINITION 1:

To start something such as a business, organization, or institution.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The group set up a charity organization to fundraise money for families in need.
  2. He used his savings to set up a small bakery, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a baker and owning his own business.


DEFINITION 2:

To organize or plan something such as an event or system.


EXAMPLES:

  1. We’ll set up a meeting with our clients next week.
  2. They set up a system for tracking inventory and managing orders efficiently.


DEFINITION 3:

To build a structure, or to put it in a particular place.


EXAMPLES:

  1. Police set up a roadblock to catch drunk drivers.
  2. The company set up a temporary office space while their main building underwent repairs.


DEFINITION 4:

To make a piece of equipment ready for use.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The student helped his professor set up the projector.
  2. The barista set up the espresso machine and grinder to start making coffee.


DEFINITION 5:

To arrange a situation so that someone is blamed for doing something, especially something illegal.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The suspect claims he is innocent and someone set him up.
  2. The corrupt politician set up his rival by planting false evidence to make it appear as if he was involved in bribery.


DEFINITION 6:

To arrange for two people who you know to go out together because you think they might like each other.


EXAMPLES:

  1. I think we should set your brother up with my roommate. They have similar interests.
  2. My roommate set me up with her colleague from work, and we had a great time on our first date.