Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Set Out'

📖 Definition

Set out means to begin a journey or to start doing something with a particular purpose or intention.

Examples in context

Early explorers set out with minimal maps and unlimited curiosity, venturing into unknown territories.
Determined to make a difference, Maria set out to reform the educational system in her country.
The team set out at dawn, eager to reach the mountain's peak before sunset.

📖 Definition

Set out means to begin a journey or to start doing something with a particular purpose or intention.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Set out cannot be separated by object pronouns.

Neutral

Used in both everyday and formal contexts.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set out	They set out on a new adventure every summer.
Past Simple	set out	She set out early to beat the traffic.
Present Continuous	setting out	They are setting out on their first big journey as a team.
Present Perfect	have set out	They have set out to change the world with their innovations.

💡 When to Use

Beginning a journey

Use when someone starts a trip or expedition, emphasizing the commencement of the journey.

Example: "We set out at dawn to reach the summit by noon."

Initiating a task

Useful when starting a project with a specific goal in mind, suggesting planning and intention.

Example: "She set out to write her novel within a year."

Embarking on new goals

Use when aiming to achieve new objectives, highlighting the purposeful aspect of the action.

Example: "He set out to learn a new language over the summer."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: I setted out on my journey.

✅ Correct: I set out on my journey.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'set out' does not change in past tense.

Separable use

❌ Wrong: Set the new route out.

✅ Correct: Set out the new route.

💡 Tip: ‘Set out’ cannot be separated by objects.

Incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: Set out in an adventure.

✅ Correct: Set out on an adventure.

💡 Tip: Use 'on' not 'in' with 'set out.'

Practice

SET OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Early explorers set out with minimal maps and unlimited curiosity, venturing into unknown territories.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Determined to make a difference, Maria set out to reform the educational system in her country.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The team set out at dawn, eager to reach the mountain's peak before sunset.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

embark commence

Antonyms

conclude

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The explorers ___ on their journey with hope and excitement."

setup

set out

set about

settled out

"When you set out on a journey, prepare your heart, for the destination may change, but the path defines your truth."

In Context

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on an expedition to explore the newly acquired western portion of the United States, known as the Louisiana Purchase. Their journey began in St. Louis, where they assembled a group of men known as the Corps of Discovery. With President Jefferson's mandate to explore and map the territory, they set out with determination, facing vast unknown lands. One of their main objectives was to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. As they set out westward, the group encountered numerous Native American tribes. They set out to establish diplomatic relations and traded goods to secure peaceful interactions. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who joined them as an interpreter, proved invaluable to their success. By the time they reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805, the expedition had successfully mapped and gathered scientific observations of the region after having set out almost two years prior. Their return trip to St. Louis in 1806 marked the end of a successful mission that set out to expand America's understanding of its new territories, despite the many challenges they faced.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Out

What is the origin of set out?

Set out dates back to the 16th century, combining 'set,' meaning to place or establish, with 'out,' indicating outward motion or intention.

Can set out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set out' is neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal texts like reports and informal conversations among friends.

What is the difference between set out and embark?

'Set out' and 'embark' both mean to begin a journey, but 'embark' often specifically refers to boarding a vehicle or starting formal journeys.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

SET OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega