ENGLISH
REFERENCE

set out on

phrasal verb.
B2 Upper Intermediate
Definition

phrasal verb. to start a journey, especially one that is long or difficult. You can also use it to mean starting a project with a specific goal in mind.

phrasal verb. to begin a journey or a project with a clear objective or destination in mind.


SIMPLE

They set out on a long journey across the mountains.

CONTEXTUAL

The explorers set out on their expedition at dawn, hoping to reach the summit before the weather turned.

COMPLEX

Having secured the necessary funding, the research team set out on a multi-year study to map the migration patterns of the endangered species.

Usage

The phrasal verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'on' to introduce the journey or task.

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