Phrasal Verbs with Set | Meanings and Examples

The verb “set” is part of many phrasal verbs, which include “set aside,” “set forth,” and “set up.” The phrasal verbs with “set” have different meanings than “set” by itself, which means “to put something in a specific position or place.” For example, “set about” means “to start doing something.”

Phrasal verbs with “set” fall into three main categories, which determine how you can use them in sentences:

• Intransitive phrasal verbs like “set forth” don’t have direct objects.
• Transitive and inseparable phrasal verbs like “set about” have direct objects, but they can’t go between “set” and the particle (e.g., “about”).
• Transitive and separable phrasal verbs like “set aside” have direct objects that can go between “set” and the particle or after the particle. If the direct object is a pronoun, it always goes after “set” (e.g., “set them aside for later”).

There are also idiomatic phrases with “set” that are similar to phrasal verbs (e.g., “set the bar high” and “set foot in”).

The definitions and examples below show how to use the most common idiomatic phrases and phrasal verbs with “set.” And the QuillBot Grammar Checker will help you use phrasal verbs correctly in your writing.

Set about

To start doing or dealing with something (transitive, inseparable)

Set apart

To distinguish a person, place, or thing from the other people, places, or things in the same category (transitive, separable with the direct object always between “set” and “apart”)

Set aside

To save something for a special purpose (transitive, separable)

Set back

1. To delay the progress of a person, process, or event (transitive, separable)
2. To cost someone money (transitive, separable)

Setback meaning

“Setback” is a compound noun for something that delays or undermines a process (e.g., “As long as there are no major setbacks, he will finish the assignment on time”).

Set foot in (idiomatic phrase)

“Set foot in” is an expression that means “to enter a place.” It’s usually in a sentence with a negative, such as “not” or “never.” If you say, “I won’t set foot in that place,” it means that you refuse to enter that place.

Set forth

To begin a journey (intransitive)

Set in

To begin or to become established as something that will continue happening (intransitive)

Set off

1. To begin a journey (intransitive)
2. To trigger an event or series of reactions to happen (transitive, separable)
3. To cause an explosive device to explode or an alarm to sound (transitive, separable)

Set out

1. To display, usually in an organized or systematic fashion (transitive, separable)
2. To begin a journey (intransitive)
3. To start trying to achieve a specific goal (intransitive)

Set the bar (idiomatic phrase)

“Set the bar” means “set the standard.” “Bar” in this expression is a metaphor for the bar in high jumping or pole vaulting. You can set the bar high or low. If you set the bar high, you’ve set a high standard for other people.

Set the stage (idiomatic phrase)

“Set the stage” means “to create the ideal conditions for something to happen.” This idiom refers to getting a stage ready for a play.

Set up

1. To build or assemble a structure (transitive, separable)
2. To create a new business, organization, or system (transitive, separable)
3. To make arrangements for an event or activity (transitive, separable)
4. To create the impression that someone has done something wrong (transitive, separable)

When to use setup or set-up

In American English, the compound noun that you can form with the phrasal verb “set up” is ”setup.” This noun is often hyphenated as “set-up” in UK English. “Setup” can have these possible meanings:

• An arrangement of objects or details (e.g., “The finished basement has a fabulous setup for parties”).
• The act of setting someone up for a crime or wrongdoing that they didn’t actually commit (e.g., “Lionel is grounded all because of a setup”).

It can be tricky to know which compound words need hyphens. Luckily, the QuillBot Grammar Checker can instantly show you how different compound words should be formatted.

Frequently asked questions about phrasal verbs with set

Is it setup or set up?

It can be setup or set up depending on whether you’re using a compound noun or a phrasal verb.

“Set up” is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including these:

• To build or assemble a structure (e.g., “We’ll set up the new Ikea desk tomorrow”)
• To create a false impression that someone did something wrong (e.g., “George didn’t steal the answer key. Someone set him up”)

“Setup” is a noun with two possible meanings:

• An arrangement of objects or details (e.g., “We have the perfect setup for overnight guests”)
• The act of setting someone up for a crime or wrongdoing that they didn’t actually commit (e.g., “Bart didn’t pull the fire alarm. It was a setup”)

The QuillBot Grammar Checker can instantly show you whether to use “setup” or “set up” in your writing.

What is the meaning of all set?

The meaning of all set is “ready and prepared.” “All set” usually goes after the verb “be” (e.g., “We are all set for the party tomorrow” or “The agenda for tomorrow’s meeting is all set”).

People sometimes use “all set” to respond to a question about whether they need anything (e.g., “Can I get you anything else to drink? No, I am all set”).

“All set” is common in everyday conversation, but it’s usually too casual for formal writing. Luckily, the QuillBot paraphrasing tool can show you alternatives.

What is the meaning of dead set?

The meaning of dead set is “very determined.” If someone has firmly decided to do (or not do) something, they are dead set on it.

• Tabitha is dead set on getting a new car.
• The senators are dead set on passing the bill.

“Dead set” is common in everyday conversation, but it’s usually too casual for formal writing. QuillBot’s free paraphrasing tool can show you alternatives to “dead set” and other informal phrases.

What is the meaning of set in stone?

The meaning of set in stone is “impossible or difficult to change.” “Set in stone” is an idiom. Some example sentences with “set in stone” include the following:

• The schedule is already set in stone. We can’t make any changes.
• The itinerary for the trip to Cape Hatteras isn’t set in stone, but we have a few sites we hope to see.

“Set in stone” is common in everyday conversation, but it’s usually too casual for formal writing. QuillBot’s free paraphrasing tool can show you formal alternatives.

What is the meaning of set the Thames on fire?

The meaning of set the Thames on fire is “to make people excited.” It’s an idiom that refers to a river in the UK (e.g., “The sequel to the movie didn’t really set the Thames on fire”).

If you’re ever writing with this expression, remember to capitalize “Thames.” Why not try the QuillBot Grammar Checker for help with capitalization and spelling?