set about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1-B2Neutral to Informal. More common in spoken and written narrative than in formal academic prose.
Quick answer
What does “set about” mean?
To begin doing something, especially with energy or determination.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To begin doing something, especially with energy or determination.
To start a task, project, or course of action. Can also mean to attack someone physically or verbally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The phrase is used in both varieties. The 'attack' sense might be perceived as slightly more British, though it is understood in AmE.
Connotations
Connotes purposeful, often methodical, beginning.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English corpus data, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “set about” in a Sentence
[Subject] + set about + [Gerund/NP][Subject] + set about + [Object] (attack sense)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “set about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She set about mending the fence with gusto.
- The journalist set about uncovering the truth.
- The dog set about the postman.
American English
- He set about fixing the porch right away.
- We need to set about planning the event.
- The critics set about the new policy.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The team set about analysing the quarterly data."
Academic
"The researcher set about testing the new hypothesis."
Everyday
"I set about tidying the garage this morning."
Technical
"The engineer set about recalibrating the sensors."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “set about”
- Using infinitive instead of gerund: 'He set about to clean' (incorrect) vs. 'He set about cleaning' (correct).
- Confusing with 'set out' which often implies stating intentions or beginning a journey.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is followed by a gerund (-ing form). Example: 'set about doing', not 'set about to do'.
'Set about' implies a more deliberate, energetic, or methodical beginning. It often suggests tackling a task that requires effort.
Yes, but this is a less common, more literary or dated usage. Example: "The older boys set about him."
No, it is inseparable. You cannot say 'set it about' in the 'begin' sense. The object (a task or gerund) follows 'about'.
To begin doing something, especially with energy or determination.
Set about is usually neutral to informal. more common in spoken and written narrative than in formal academic prose. in register.
Set about: in British English it is pronounced /ˌset əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌset əˈbaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SETting your mind ABOUT doing something. You 'set' your intention and then get 'about' the business of doing it.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING A JOURNEY IS STARTING A TASK (embarking on a project).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'set about' correctly?