set out — to start a journey
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to begin traveling or going somewhere, especially after preparing for it.
Say it like a native
Textbook We commenced our expedition at first light.
Native 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.
Pattern: set out (for/on/to...)
In use
- 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
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).
Common collocations
set out + journey/aim— for home, early, on a journey, to do something
Don't confuse it
'Set off' is similar and often used in the same way.
Related
- 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.