# set up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/set-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will set up it tomorrow." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

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.