set about
يبدأ في
शाब्दिक अर्थ: to place around
Use it when you are ready to stop talking and start tackling a specific task with energy.
15 सेकंड में
- Moving from planning to active doing.
- Usually followed by a verb ending in -ing.
- Implies a sense of purpose and organization.
मतलब
When you 'set about' something, you stop thinking and start doing. It is that specific moment you begin a task with a clear plan or energy.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Cleaning the house
After the party, we set about cleaning the living room.
After the party, we started cleaning the living room.
Solving a work problem
The engineers set about repairing the server immediately.
The engineers started repairing the server immediately.
Texting about a project
Finally home! Time to set about writing that essay.
Finally home! Time to start writing that essay.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase evokes the traditional English value of 'getting on with things.' It became popular in literature to describe characters who were practical and resourceful. It reflects a culture that values action over empty talk.
The -ing Rule
Always remember to use the 'ing' form of the verb after 'set about'. It sounds much more natural to say 'set about cooking' than 'set about to cook'.
Don't Split It
Unlike some phrasal verbs, you can't put words in the middle. You can't say 'set the task about'. Keep them together!
15 सेकंड में
- Moving from planning to active doing.
- Usually followed by a verb ending in -ing.
- Implies a sense of purpose and organization.
What It Means
Think of set about as the bridge between an idea and an action. It is not just starting; it is starting with a purpose. You are moving from the 'planning' phase to the 'doing' phase. It feels active and organized. It is like rolling up your sleeves before tackling a big pile of laundry.
How To Use It
This phrase is a bit special because it is almost always followed by an -ing verb. For example, you set about cleaning the house or set about fixing a problem. You can also follow it with a noun, like set about the task. Just remember: it is a phrasal verb that does not like to be split up. Keep set and about together like best friends.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound determined. It works great for big projects or fixing mistakes. If you are at a restaurant and the waiter sees a spill, they will set about clearing it up. If you are texting a friend about a messy room, you might say you are setting about the cleanup. It shows you are taking charge of the situation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, automatic actions. You do not set about breathing or set about blinking. It is also not for vague intentions. If you are just 'thinking' about starting, this is not the phrase for you. Avoid it in very high-pressure emergencies where a shorter word like start is faster. Also, do not use it for hobbies you do for fun without a goal.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a very British, 'stiff upper lip' feel to it. It implies a sense of duty and quiet productivity. It suggests that instead of complaining, you are just getting on with the job. It has been used for centuries to describe people who are industrious and focused. It is the verbal equivalent of a person with a clipboard and a plan.
Common Variations
While set about is the standard, you might hear go about which is more about the process. There is also set to, which is much more informal and energetic. If you hear someone say they 'set about' someone, be careful! In very old-fashioned slang, that actually meant they started a physical fight. Stick to tasks to stay safe!
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
It is a neutral, versatile phrase. The biggest mistake is using 'to + verb' instead of the '-ing' form.
The -ing Rule
Always remember to use the 'ing' form of the verb after 'set about'. It sounds much more natural to say 'set about cooking' than 'set about to cook'.
Don't Split It
Unlike some phrasal verbs, you can't put words in the middle. You can't say 'set the task about'. Keep them together!
The British Vibe
This phrase is very popular in UK English. Using it makes you sound sophisticated and proactive, like a character in a British drama.
उदाहरण
6After the party, we set about cleaning the living room.
After the party, we started cleaning the living room.
Shows a transition from the event to the cleanup task.
The engineers set about repairing the server immediately.
The engineers started repairing the server immediately.
Professional tone showing quick action.
Finally home! Time to set about writing that essay.
Finally home! Time to start writing that essay.
Informal use showing a personal goal.
He set about fixing the sink and ended up flooding the kitchen.
He started fixing the sink and ended up flooding the kitchen.
Highlights the gap between intention and result.
She set about rebuilding her life after the divorce.
She started rebuilding her life after the divorce.
Shows emotional determination and a long-term process.
The committee set about reviewing the annual budget.
The committee started reviewing the annual budget.
Used to describe a formal procedure.
खुद को परखो
Choose the correct form of the verb to follow the phrase.
They set about ___ the old garden to make space for a pool.
We use the -ing form (gerund) after 'set about' when describing an action.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
We need to set ___ finishing this project by Friday.
'Set about' is the fixed collocation meaning to begin a task.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Set About'
Used with friends for chores.
I'll set about the dishes.
Common in storytelling and news.
They set about fixing the road.
Used in reports or literature.
The firm set about restructuring.
When to use 'Set About'
Starting a big task
Setting about the laundry.
Solving a problem
Setting about fixing a bug.
Organizing a plan
Setting about the wedding prep.
Life changes
Setting about a new career.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालMostly, yes, but 'set about' implies more organization and effort. You 'start' a car, but you 'set about' fixing it.
It sounds a bit dramatic for small things. Use it for tasks that require some thought or several steps.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business email like We set about resolving the issue or with friends.
It is grammatically possible but rare. Most native speakers prefer the -ing form, like set about doing.
Yes, 'set' is the same in the past. So you say Yesterday, I set about cleaning my room.
'Set out' is often about starting a journey or intending to do something. 'Set about' is more about the physical work of doing it.
Sure! You can say He didn't even set about helping us. This sounds like he was being lazy.
It is used, but it is much more common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.
Be careful! In British slang, 'to set about someone' means to attack them. Stick to using it with tasks!
It is pronounced normally, but the 't' in 'set' often blends into the 'a' in 'about', sounding like 'se-tabout'.
संबंधित मुहावरे
get down to
To start focusing on something seriously.
embark on
To start a big, exciting project or journey.
get cracking
An informal way to say 'start moving/working'.
tackle
To deal with a difficult problem or task.
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