English Phrasal Verbs With “set”

English Phrasal Verbs With “Set”

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, especially for learners aiming to sound more natural in conversation. The verb “set” combines with various prepositions or adverbs to form phrasal verbs with distinct meanings. Below is a comprehensive list of common phrasal verbs with “set,” along with their meanings, examples, and exercises.

1. Set up

Meaning: To arrange or establish something, such as a business, system, or event.

• They set up a new company last year.
• We need to set up the meeting room before the guests arrive.
• She set up a charity organization to help homeless people.

2. Set off

Meaning: To start a journey or cause something to happen (e.g., an alarm or explosion).

• We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic.
• The loud noise set off the car alarm.
• His careless remark set off a big argument.

3. Set out

Meaning: To begin a journey or to explain something clearly.

• They set out on a road trip across the country.
• The teacher set out the rules for the exam.
• He set out his plans in a detailed report.

4. Set aside

Meaning: To save or reserve something for a specific purpose.

• She set aside some money for emergencies.
• Let’s set aside our differences and work together.
• The judge set aside the previous ruling.

5. Set back

Meaning: To delay progress or cost someone a large amount of money.

• The bad weather set back construction by a week.
• Buying that car set him back $20,000.
• The project was set back due to funding issues.

6. Set in

Meaning: When something (usually negative) begins and seems likely to continue.

• Winter has set in early this year.
• After the injury, an infection set in.
• Once boredom sets in, it’s hard to stay motivated.

7. Set about

Meaning: To start doing something with determination.

• She set about cleaning the house before the guests arrived.
• He set about learning Spanish as soon as he moved to Spain.
• The team set about solving the problem immediately.

8. Set upon

Meaning: To attack someone suddenly.

• The thieves were set upon by the police.
• The dog set upon the intruder.
• Protesters were set upon by security forces.

9. Set down

Meaning: To write or record something officially or to place something on a surface.

• The rules were set down in the contract.
• She set down her bag and sat on the sofa.
• The court set down new guidelines for the case.

10. Set forth

Meaning: To explain or present something clearly or to begin a journey.

• The document sets forth the terms of the agreement.
• They set forth on their adventure at dawn.
• The professor set forth his theory in the lecture.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list above.

1. They decided to _____ a new branch of their business in London.
2. The hikers _____ early to reach the summit before sunset.
3. She _____ some money every month for her vacation.
4. The bad weather _____ the construction work by two weeks.
5. The lawyer _____ the evidence in a detailed report.

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb with Its Meaning

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Set up	a) To start a journey
Set off	b) To establish something
Set aside	c) To reserve something
Set in	d) When something negative begins
Set forth	e) To explain clearly

Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences

Create three sentences using any of the phrasal verbs with “set.”

1. ________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________

By practicing these phrasal verbs, you’ll improve your fluency and sound more like a native speaker!