English Reference

Phrasal verb

set up

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

set up

Past

set up

Past participle

set up

Definition

phrasal verb. To arrange or organize something so it is ready to use, like a meeting or a piece of equipment.

phrasal verb. To establish, arrange, or assemble something in preparation for use or operation. The verb is transitive and allows for object placement between the verb and particle.

Examples

“I need to set up a meeting for tomorrow morning.”

“After moving into the new office, it took the IT team two days to set up all the computers and servers.”

“The non-profit organization was set up to provide legal assistance to refugees seeking asylum in the European Union.”

Examples

simple

“I need to set up a meeting for tomorrow morning.”

contextual

“After moving into the new office, it took the IT team two days to set up all the computers and servers.”

complex

“The non-profit organization was set up to provide legal assistance to refugees seeking asylum in the European Union.”

Usage

This verb is separable, meaning you can put the object between 'set' and 'up'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'establish' for businesses; 'set up' is much more common for physical assembly like furniture or computers.

Pitfall

I will set up it tomorrow.

I will set it up tomorrow.

If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

set + (object) + up

Synonyms

establishassembleorganizearrange

Antonyms

dismantleclose downcancel

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Very common
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference