set out
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to leave a place and begin a journey.
to depart or leave a location in order to begin a journey. Intransitive in this sense.
Simple“We set out at dawn to reach the mountain top before the heat of the day.”
In context“The explorers set out from the coastal base camp, fully aware that they would not see another human settlement for several months.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to start an activity or a project with a specific aim or plan.
to begin an undertaking with a specific objective or intention. Often followed by an infinitive clause.
Simple“She set out to break the world record for the marathon.”
In context“The researchers set out to prove that the new drug was more effective than existing treatments, despite the initial lack of funding.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to give details or explain something clearly, usually in writing.
to present, arrange, or describe a set of facts or arguments in a clear and organized way. Transitive — takes a direct object.
Simple“The report sets out the main reasons for the company's recent success.”
In context“In the opening chapter, the author sets out the theoretical framework that will be used to analyze the historical data.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to arrange things so they can be seen or used.
to display or arrange items in a particular order or position. Transitive; common in British English for physical arrangements.
Simple“The market traders set out their stalls early on Saturday morning.”
In context“The curator carefully set out the artifacts in the glass cases to ensure the narrative of the exhibition was easy to follow.”
distinguish between the literal sense of starting a trip and the figurative sense of intending to achieve a result; the latter is common in academic and professional writing.