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set out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 to start a journeyto begin traveling or going somewhere, especially after preparing for it.
  2. 2 to explain or describe something clearlyto present ideas, plans, or information in a clear and organized way.

All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

to start a journey

B1set out for/on/to...Most common

to begin traveling or going somewhere, especially after preparing for it.

We set out early in the morning to avoid the traffic.

A: What time are you setting out for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., just to be safe.

When I travel with my family, we usually set out before sunrise to make the most of the day.

Common mistake

✗They set out the mountains before sunrise.

✓They set out for the mountains before sunrise.

'Set out FOR' a destination (or 'set out TO + verb' = intend to).

Tell it apart

We set out at dawn.

began a journey, esp. a longer one

We set off at dawn.

began a journey — everyday, any trip
Use 'set out' when you start a trip or journey, not for starting a project or task.'Set off' is similar and often used in the same way.

Often paired with

set out + journey/aim
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2

to explain or describe something clearly

B2set out sthwritten

to present ideas, plans, or information in a clear and organized way.

The teacher set out the rules for the project very clearly.

A: Can you set out your plan for the meeting?
B: Sure, I'll send you a summary this afternoon.

In my presentation, I set out the main reasons why technology is important in education.

Common mistake

✗The report sets out clearly the plan in detail.

✓The report sets out the plan clearly.

'Set out' takes the thing presented; keep the adverb ('clearly') after the object.

Tell it apart

The guide sets out the rules clearly.

explains them in an organised way

We set out at dawn.

began a journey
Use 'set out' when you want to talk about explaining or organizing information, especially in writing or presentations.'Set up' means to arrange or prepare something, not to explain.

Often paired with

set out + information
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Turn this into speaking practice

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to start a journeyto explain or describe something clearly