Set out
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To arrange or display things so they are ready to use
Example sentence
She set out the plates and glasses before the guests arrived.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: set out + objects (noun)
set out the plates
set out the chairs
set out the food
set out snacks
set out the supplies
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
She set out the plates. ✅ (Correct)
She set the plates out. ✅ (Correct)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To begin doing something with a specific goal or intention
Example sentence
She set out to prove everyone wrong.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: set out + to + verb
set out to prove
set out to win
set out to find
set out to change (something)
set out to make
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
He set out to write a novel. ✅ (Correct)
He set to write a novel out. ❌ (Incorrect — inseparable, always stays together)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To begin a journey
Example sentence
They set out for the coast before sunrise.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: set out + (for + place)
set out for (a place)
set out on a trip
set out on a journey
set out at dawn
set out early
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
We set out at dawn. ✅ (Correct)
We set at dawn out. ❌ (Incorrect — inseparable, always stays together)