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 in Motion

"Once the wheels of change are set in motion, progress becomes unstoppable with determination and vision guiding every step forward."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'set in motion' means to start a process or cause an event to begin. It implies initiating action or movement.

Examples in context

The treaty set in motion decades of peace and cooperation.
Her innovative ideas set in motion a shift in industry standards.
They set in motion the most ambitious health reforms seen in a generation.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'set in motion' means to start a process or cause an event to begin. It implies initiating action or movement.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Cannot insert words between 'set' and 'in motion'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object on which the action is performed.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set in motion	They set in motion the new project last week.
Past Simple	set in motion	He set in motion a series of important reforms.
Present Continuous	setting in motion	Lawmakers are setting in motion new policies for the economy.
Present Perfect	have set in motion	We have set in motion all preparations for the event.

💡 When to Use

Starting a task

Use when initiating a project, idea, or action. It signifies that something is beginning or starting to happen.

Example: "The manager set in motion a plan for increased productivity."

Historical events

Appropriate for describing the beginning of significant historical actions or movements that lead to change.

Example: "The civil rights protests set in motion sweeping legal and social reforms."

Processes and systems

Useful for technological or procedural contexts where a new system or protocol is launched.

Example: "The tech team set in motion the launch sequence for the software update."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They will setting in motion the project tomorrow.

✅ Correct: They will set in motion the project tomorrow.

💡 Tip: Use 'set' in correct tense without adding '-ing'.

Wrong preposition

❌ Wrong: Set on motion instead of set in motion.

✅ Correct: Set in motion a new initiative.

💡 Tip: Remember correct usage as 'in', not 'on'.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She set in motion yesterday.

✅ Correct: She set in motion the new schedule yesterday.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being set in motion.

Practice

SET IN MOTION - 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

The treaty set in motion decades of peace and cooperation.
Voices Across Distance
2
Listen to example

Her innovative ideas set in motion a shift in industry standards.
Voices Across Distance
3
Listen to example

They set in motion the most ambitious health reforms seen in a generation.
Voices Across Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

initiate trigger

Antonyms

halt

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The new regulations will ___ significant changes in the industry."

set on motion

set in motion

sets in motion

setting in motion

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set In Motion

What is the origin of set in motion?

The phrase 'set in motion' derives from the Old English verb 'settan', meaning to cause to sit or place. Its modern usage evolved to signify the beginning of an action or process, reflecting a shift from physical placement to abstract initiation.

Can set in motion be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set in motion' is versatile and suits both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for academic writing, business settings, casual conversations, and even historical narratives, as it accurately conveys the commencement of events or actions.

What is the difference between set in motion and initiate?

While both 'set in motion' and 'initiate' mean to start something, 'set in motion' often implies that once started, the process will continue on its own. 'Initiate' simply refers to the act of beginning without emphasizing continued momentum or development.

Browse All Voices Across Distance 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 IN MOTION - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set In Motion

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega