# set out on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/set-out-on
Updated: 2026-07-27

## Definition

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.

For teachers: to begin a journey or a project with a clear objective or destination in mind.

## Examples

- They set out on a long journey across the mountains.
- The explorers set out on their expedition at dawn, hoping to reach the summit before the weather turned.
- 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 notes

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

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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.