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 'Set Up': Uses and Examples

📖 Definition

"Set up" means to establish, arrange, or organize something, such as a business, structure, or plan, often with foundational intent.

Examples in context

They set up a charity to help the homeless in their community.
To enjoy the evening, they set up the backyard with fairy lights.
He set up the experiment carefully to ensure accurate results.

📖 Definition

"Set up" means to establish, arrange, or organize something, such as a business, structure, or plan, often with foundational intent.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

Components can be split by an object, e.g., "set the meeting up."

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts without losing meaning.

Transitive

Yes

"Set up" requires a direct object, e.g., "He set up the tent."

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set up	They set up a new company in town.
Past Simple	set up	She set up a charity last year.
Present Continuous	setting up	He is setting up his new office now.
Present Perfect	have set up	By now, they have set up several branches.

💡 When to Use

Creating a new business

Use 'set up' to describe the creation of a company, organization, or structure, emphasizing the organizational phase.

Example: "She set up her own consultancy firm."

Arranging equipment

Use 'set up' when arranging devices or systems, focusing on the practical organization of items.

Example: "He set up the projector for the presentation."

Introducing plans or events

Apply 'set up' for organizing events or plans, highlighting the coordination and preparative aspects.

Example: "They set up a meeting to discuss the merger."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Set the party up surprise.

✅ Correct: Set up the surprise party.

💡 Tip: Always place the object directly after 'set up.'

Incorrect verbal tense

❌ Wrong: She sets up a plan yesterday.

✅ Correct: She set up a plan yesterday.

💡 Tip: Ensure past context uses 'set up,' not 'sets up.'

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He will set up soon.

✅ Correct: He will set up the booth soon.

💡 Tip: 'Set up' requires a noun to complete the action.

Practice

SET UP - 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

They set up a charity to help the homeless in their community.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

To enjoy the evening, they set up the backyard with fairy lights.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He set up the experiment carefully to ensure accurate results.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

establish organize

Antonyms

dismantle

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The team decided to ___ a booth at the fair."

set down

set up

set off

set through

"Setting up a serene mind is like preparing a tranquil garden; both require patience and care amidst chaos."

In Context

In 1772, Benjamin Franklin set up the first fire insurance company, the Philadelphia Contributionship. Driven by a vision to protect community homes, he gathered thirteen fellow citizens to set up this mutual insurance company. They meticulously planned the structure, ensuring fair contributions and efficient management to benefit all members. During the initial years, setting up operational protocols and responding quickly to claims became crucial for maintaining credibility. The company established precedential rules for construction, promoting safety and reducing fire risks, which strengthened the community's infrastructure. By 1784, Franklin's initiative had set up a model other cities emulated, showcasing his foresight and public spirit. His success in setting up the Philadelphia Contributionship highlighted the importance of community collaboration and innovation, marking a significant advancement in public welfare policies. His efforts contributed to a legacy that has endured through centuries, influencing modern insurance practices globally.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Up

What is the origin of set up?

'Set up' originates from Middle English denoting the action of placing upright or establishing permanently. It has adapted over centuries to include organizing and arranging with intent.

Can set up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set up' can be employed in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile in usage, fitting well in business discussions and casual conversations.

What is the difference between set up and establish?

'Set up' often implies initial organization, while 'establish' suggests long-term existence and formal recognition. 'Set up' for temporary or initial actions; 'establish' for permanence.

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 UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega