Meaning trap
set out
to start a journey
to begin traveling or going somewhere, especially after preparing for it.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to begin traveling or going somewhere, especially after preparing for it.
Another meaning of 'set out' is 'to explain or describe something clearly'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We set out early in the morning to avoid the traffic.
When I travel with my family, we usually set out before sunrise to make the most of the day.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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).
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Set out' is the natural verb for beginning a journey, often a longer or purposeful one; 'commenced our expedition' is grand.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
set out + journey/aim
- for home
- early
- on a journey
- to do something
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- set out (to explain or describe something clearly) — Another meaning of 'set out' is 'to explain or describe something clearly'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.