Same verb · different particle

“set” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

5 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

set

aside back off out

set + aside · 1 of 5

set aside

save for a particular purpose

set aside sth

to keep something, usually money or time, for a special reason or future use.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I try to set aside a little money each month for emergencies.

A: Are you coming to the party on Friday?
B: I can't, I’ve set aside that evening to study for my exam.

Common mistake

Not: I set aside money ~~for~~ buy a house.

Say: I set aside money to buy a house.

'To buy' (purpose), not 'for buy'.

More on “set aside”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it’s important for families to set aside time to spend together, even when everyone is busy.

Tell it apart

I set aside money for a holiday.

save it

I spent money on a holiday.

used it up

Goes with

set aside + money/time

Practice saying this

Next: set back

set + back · 2 of 5

set back

delay progress

set back sth

to cause something to happen later than planned or expected, usually by creating a problem or obstacle.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The heavy snow set back the construction by two weeks.

A: How's your assignment going?
B: I was making good progress, but getting sick really set me back.

Common mistake

Not: The delay set ~~back~~ the schedule ~~for~~ two weeks.

Say: The delay set the schedule back by two weeks.

Use 'set back BY [a time]'; with the amount it's usually 'set X back by Y'.

More on “set back”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If there are unexpected problems, like equipment breaking down, it can set back the whole project and make it difficult to finish on time.

Tell it apart

The injury set her training back.

delayed progress

She bounced back after the injury.

recovered quickly

Goes with

set back + progress

Practice saying this

Next: set off

set + off · 3 of 5

set off

start a journey

set off for/to [place)
also: set off for

to begin traveling to a place, especially after preparing to leave.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

We set off early in the morning to avoid the traffic.

A: What time are you setting off for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., so I can catch my flight.

Common mistake

Not: We set off to the airport at 6.

Say: We set off for the airport at 6.

You set off FOR a destination (set off TO + verb is also fine: 'set off to find it').

More on “set off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Last summer, my friends and I set off on a road trip across the country. We planned everything in advance and left just after sunrise.

Tell it apart

We set off early to beat the traffic.

started the journey

The smoke set off the alarm.

triggered it

Goes with

set off + journey detail

Practice saying this

Next: set out

set + out · 4 of 5

set out

to start a journey

set out for/on/to...

to begin traveling or going somewhere, especially after preparing for it.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

We set out early in the morning to avoid the traffic.

A: What time are you setting out for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., just to be safe.

Common mistake

Not: They set out the mountains before sunrise.

Say: They set out for the mountains before sunrise.

'Set out FOR' a destination (or 'set out TO + verb' = intend to).

More on “set out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I travel with my family, we usually set out before sunrise to make the most of the day.

Tell it apart

We set out at dawn.

began a journey, esp. a longer one

We set off at dawn.

began a journey — everyday, any trip

Goes with

set out + journey/aim

Practice saying this

Next: set up

set + up · 5 of 5

set up

arrange or establish

set up sth
also: set up an account

A scene showing “set up” meaning “start a business or project”.

to organize or start something, such as a business, event, or system

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

They decided to set up a small café near the university.

A: How did you meet your business partner?
B: We met at a conference and decided to set up a company together.

Common mistake

Not: We set up a meeting to the new client.

Say: We set up a meeting with the new client.

You set up a meeting WITH someone, not 'to' someone.

More on “set up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it takes a lot of planning and teamwork to set up a successful community project.

Tell it apart

She set up a small company.

establish

He set up the projector before the talk.

assemble / configure

Goes with

set up + thing started

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “set” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “set” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

set aside set back set off set out set up