set forth
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle forth
Meanings
Lay out or explain something formally
Why “forth”? Something comes out of hiding into open view.
“The contract sets forth the terms.”
“The guide sets forth the safety rules.”
Begin a journey or undertaking
Why “forth”? Someone or something leaves a starting point and continues forward.
“We set forth at dawn.”
“The hikers set forth before the sun rose.”
Don't confuse with
Set forth means lay out or explain something formally. Set about means begin a task with deliberate effort.
Test yourself
“The contract sets forth the terms.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
set about
A contrast learners often mix up
Begin a task with deliberate effort
bring forth
Same forth pattern: open view
Produce or cause something to appear
burst forth
Same forth pattern: open view
Emerge suddenly with great force
call forth
Same forth pattern: open view
Cause a particular response or feeling to appear
come forth
Same forth pattern: open view
Step forward into view, especially to be seen or heard
draw forth
Same forth pattern: open view
Cause something to appear
give forth
Same forth pattern: open view
Produce or release light, sound, or a smell
go forth
Same forth pattern: onward
Begin a journey or continue forward
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