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

Set About: Meaning, Use, and Examples

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'set about' means to begin or start doing something with determination and vigor, especially tasks requiring attention and effort.

Examples in context

Determined to succeed, he set about improving his skills immediately.
After the meeting, they set about drafting a new policy proposal.
Jane set about painting her house with great enthusiasm and dedication.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'set about' means to begin or start doing something with determination and vigor, especially tasks requiring attention and effort.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between 'set' and 'about.'

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object to indicate the action being initiated.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set about	They set about the project with enthusiasm.
Past Simple	set about	He set about his new job with zeal.
Present Continuous	setting about	She is setting about organizing the event.
Present Perfect	have set about	We have set about making improvements.

💡 When to Use

Starting a new task

Use 'set about' when initiating a new task or project, highlighting the beginning actions.

Example: "Upon receiving the assignment, she set about her research."

Approaching challenges

Use it when addressing challenges with a determined mindset, often involving planning and action.

Example: "With determination, they set about overcoming the obstacles."

Beginning preparations

Employ it to describe initiating preparations for significant events or projects.

Example: "Before the meeting, they set about organizing the materials."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation

❌ Wrong: He set the task about quickly.

✅ Correct: He set about the task quickly.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'set about' cannot take a split object.

Wrong preposition

❌ Wrong: She set for fixing the problem.

✅ Correct: She set about fixing the problem.

💡 Tip: 'About' follows 'set' directly in this phrase.

Tense confusion

❌ Wrong: They were set about the mission.

✅ Correct: They set about the mission.

💡 Tip: Use the simple past 'set' for past actions.

Practice

SET ABOUT - 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

Determined to succeed, he set about improving his skills immediately.
Economic Roots of the Tiny House Idea
2
Listen to example

After the meeting, they set about drafting a new policy proposal.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

Jane set about painting her house with great enthusiasm and dedication.
Alternative Communities and Camping Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

embark on commence

Antonyms

cease

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She decided to ___ renovating her home over the weekend."

set aside

set about

set up

set against

"When faced with life's challenges, set about your tasks with determination and grace, as perseverance leads to growth and wisdom."

In Context

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set about exploring the uncharted western territories of the United States. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, they set about preparing for their journey with meticulous attention to detail, gathering supplies and assembling a diverse team, including Sacagawea. This journey, known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, proved to be monumental. As they set about traversing the rugged landscape of the Louisiana Purchase, they documented numerous species, mapped vast areas, and established relations with indigenous tribes, gaining invaluable insights into the land. Despite numerous challenges, including harsh weather and difficult terrain, their ability to set about each task with resolve led them to reach the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. Their return in 1806 brought newfound knowledge and expansion opportunities, fundamentally altering the course of American history. Their dedication in setting about their mission exemplifies the spirit of discovery and the human drive to explore the unknown.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set About

What is the origin of set about?

'Set about' originated from Middle English, combining 'setten,' meaning to place, and 'abuten,' signifying around. Its modern use to convey beginning tasks emerged in the 17th century, signifying the start of an activity with intent.

Can set about be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set about' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It effectively communicates the initiation of tasks or projects, offering thematic consistency across various narrative styles and tones.

What is the difference between set about and embark on?

Both imply beginning a task, but 'set about' suggests immediate action, often with a clear plan, while 'embark on' emphasizes the start of a significant journey or project, possibly hinting at exploration.

Browse All Tiny House 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 ABOUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set About

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega