set up — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

set up

arrange or establish

prepare equipment

frame someone

Meaning 1 · most common

arrange or establish

set up sth

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 “arrange or establish”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

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Next meaning: prepare equipment

Meaning 2

prepare equipment

set up sth

A scene showing “set up” meaning “get equipment ready”.

to get equipment or devices ready so they can be used

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

It took me an hour to set up the new printer.

A: Can you help me set up the projector for the meeting?
B: Sure, just give me a minute.

Common mistake

Not: Let me set up it real quick.

Say: Let me set it up real quick.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'set it up'.

More on “prepare equipment”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Before the presentation, I had to set up all the equipment to make sure everything worked smoothly.

Tell it apart

He set up the equipment for the demo.

got it ready

She set up a charity.

founded / established it

Goes with

set up + equipment

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Next meaning: frame someone

Meaning 3

frame someone

set sb up for/with sth

A scene showing “set up” meaning “make someone look guilty”.

to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing by deliberately creating false evidence or circumstances.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

He claimed he was set up by his business rivals and had nothing to do with the fraud.

A: Did you hear about Mark? He got arrested for embezzlement.
B: I know, but honestly, I think he was set up. It just doesn't add up.

Common mistake

Not: The gang set him for the robbery.

Say: The gang set him up for the robbery.

Don't drop 'up' — 'set someone UP' (frame them).

More on “frame someone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some critics argue that the whistleblower was set up by powerful interests in order to discredit her testimony.

Tell it apart

They set him up for the crime.

framed him — he's innocent

They set up the company.

founded/started it

Goes with

set someone up

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arrange or establish prepare equipment frame someone