English Reference

Phrasal verb

set down

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

set down

Past

set down

Past participle

set down

Definition

phrasal verb. to write something on paper or in a document so it becomes official. You use this when you want to record rules or important ideas.

phrasal verb. to record information in writing or to establish formal rules and principles. Transitive and often used in administrative or legal registers.

Examples

“The committee needs to set down the rules for the competition.”

“It is important to set down your requirements in the contract before you sign anything.”

“The treaty sets down the conditions for a lasting peace, requiring both nations to reduce their military presence along the border.”

Examples

simple

“The committee needs to set down the rules for the competition.”

contextual

“It is important to set down your requirements in the contract before you sign anything.”

complex

“The treaty sets down the conditions for a lasting peace, requiring both nations to reduce their military presence along the border.”

Usage

usually takes an object like 'rules', 'guidelines', or 'thoughts'.

Teaching tip

compare with 'write down'; 'set down' implies a more permanent or official recording of information.

Pitfall

He set down of his ideas.

He set down his ideas.

the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

optional

Pattern

set + down + object

Synonyms

recorddocumentstipulateprescribe

Antonyms

discardabolish

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference