Understanding English Grammar – phrasal verbs ‘set’ part 1

The next verb we’re going to look at is ‘to set’ combined with particles. Here are the first of the most common:

‘to set about’ is to dealing with something in a particular way.

  • I need to find a new flat but I’m not sure how to set about looking for one.
  • I don’t think you are setting about it the right way.

‘to set against’ means balance one thing against another.

  • The advantages are not so big when set against the disadvantages.
  • We can set our expenses against the tax.

‘to be set against’ something means to be opposed to doing it.

  • He won’t change his mind. He is absolutely set against it.
  • His parents were set against him becoming a musician and made him study engineering.

‘to set aside’ means to use something, often time or money, for a specific purpose.

  • I have enough money for the deposit set aside.
  • I’ve set aside Monday and Tuesday to work on it.

‘to set back’ is to cause a delay.

  • Bad weather was the reason that the launch of the rocket was set back until Monday.
  • The whole project has been set back by the late delivery of some of the parts.

‘to set down’ something you are holding means to put it down.

  • She lifted up the teapot but set it down again without pouring any tea.
  • The waitress set down an enormous plate of steak and salad in front of me.

‘to set down’ your ideas or some facts means to record by writing them.

  • Here is the leaflet where we have set down guidelines for our employees.
  • We were all asked to set down our views on what had happened.

‘to set in’ is when something unpleasant starts and seems likely to continue.

  • It looks as if the rain has set in for the afternoon.
  • Panic didn’t really set in until just before I was due to give my presentation.

‘to set off’ means to start on a journey.

  • Sorry we’re late. We didn’t set off until half past eight.
  • The weather was perfect when we set off but it was raining when we got back.

exercise1

exercise 2

exercise 3

28 thoughts on “Understanding English Grammar – phrasal verbs ‘set’ part 1”

  5. I do love all your lessons, and they´ve been very useful to me.
    Thanks a lot for your precious help.
    Warm regards,
    Miriam

  9. Pearson..Thankyou some excellently clear examples!

    I will be using some of these to assist in creating lesson plans for this term.

    Mark

    Teacher of English

  10. Pearson..Thankyou for your lesson today.
    Also some excellently clear examples to inspire me!

    I will be using some of these to assist in creating lesson plans for this term.

    Mark

    Teacher of English

  11. I have studied English for many years, but never come across such wonderful way of tuition.
    I feel like, I have just been introduced to “set” for the first time!
    Many thanks

  15. I still get more information and improve my lifestyle , thanks for all your service and God bless you for ever

  16. Hi for every body!!

    Pearson, thank you so much for the useful lessons you send us.

    I really appreciate your help, I have improved my english with this great lessons.

    Regards,
    Queta.

  20. Dear Pearson:

    Thanks a lot for your useful Englisg Grammar Lessons and Exrecises!

    More Power!!!

    Elizabeth ( Liezl)

  26. Sorry, I really have no website.

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    Thank you for all. So inconditional all the time. Amazing soldier.

    From an Argentine student.

  27. ” to set off ” means to stars a journey
    I think it is wrong.
    It must be ” to set out”

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