# set down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/set-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He set down of his ideas." but "He set down his ideas." — the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.