Phrasal verb
set in
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
set in
Past
set in
Past participle
set in
Definition
phrasal verb. When something unpleasant starts and looks like it will stay for a while. You use this for things like bad weather, sickness, or a bad mood.
phrasal verb. To begin and persist, typically used of something unpleasant or undesirable. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Examples
“The rain set in just as we started our walk.”
“After the initial excitement of the move wore off, a deep sense of homesickness began to set in.”
“As the harsh winter set in, the remote mountain villages were completely cut off from the rest of the province for several months.”
Examples
simple
“The rain set in just as we started our walk.”
contextual
“After the initial excitement of the move wore off, a deep sense of homesickness began to set in.”
complex
“As the harsh winter set in, the remote mountain villages were completely cut off from the rest of the province for several months.”
Usage
This verb is intransitive and usually follows subjects like 'winter', 'infection', or 'panic'.
Teaching tip
Highlight that this phrasal verb is almost always used for negative or unwelcome situations to help students with its specific connotation.
Pitfall
A feeling of great happiness set in.
A feeling of great happiness began.
'Set in' is used for unpleasant things; for positive feelings, use 'began' or 'spread'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
set + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- 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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