set out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
Begin a journey
Why “out”? Movement goes from inside to outside.
“They set out at dawn.”
“The hikers set out after breakfast.”
Begin trying to do something with a clear goal
Why “out”? A plan leaves the idea stage and becomes action. The task is carried out.
“She set out to fix the problem.”
“The group set out to build a garden.”
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“They set out at dawn.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
set off
A contrast learners often mix up
Begin a journey
set up
A contrast learners often mix up
Establish or arrange
act out
Same out pattern: planned action
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
ask out
Same out pattern: departure
Invite someone on a romantic date
branch out
Same out pattern: departure
Start doing something new or different; (of a road, river or organisation) split off in a new direction; Become independent and start your own venture
burst out
Same out pattern: departure
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
carry out
Same out pattern: planned action
Perform a task or action that has been planned
check out
Same out pattern: departure
Leave a hotel after paying; Look at or examine
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “set out”.
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