Meaning trap

set out

to start a journey

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

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

to start a journey

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

set out (to explain or describe something clearly)

Another meaning of 'set out' is 'to explain or describe something clearly'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

We set out early in the morning to avoid the traffic.travel
When I travel with my family, we usually set out before sunrise to make the most of the day.IELTS speaking

Pattern: set out (for/on/to...)

WrongThey set out the mountains before sunrise.

RightThey set out for the mountains before sunrise.

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

Patternset out (for/on/to...)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We commenced our expedition at first light.

Natural We set out at first light.

'Set out' is the natural verb for beginning a journey, often a longer or purposeful one; 'commenced our expedition' is grand.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Set off' is similar and often used in the same way.

set out (to explain or describe something clearly) — Another meaning of 'set out' is 'to explain or describe something clearly'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.