set about

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Explanation of "Set About"

Definition:
The phrase "set about" means to start doing something or to begin an action. It often implies that you are taking the first steps to complete a task or deal with a problem.

Examples:

1. Simple Example:

   • "She set about cleaning the house." (This means she started the task of cleaning the house.)

2. More Complex Example:

   • "After the meeting, we set about planning the next event." (This means after the meeting, we began to plan the next event.)

Advanced Usage:

You can also use "set about" in more complex sentences, especially when describing a series of actions or a more detailed task.

Word Variants:

• "Set about to" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "set out to," which means to intend to do something.
  • Example: "She set out to finish her book by the end of the month."

Different Meanings:

While "set about" primarily means to start an activity, it can also imply the way someone approaches a task. For instance, if someone is very organized and methodical, you might say, "He set about his work with great care."

Synonyms:

• Begin
• Start
• Commence
• Undertake
• Get started on

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Get down to work": This means to start working seriously on something.

  • Example: "Let's get down to work on this project."

• "Go about": This means to approach or tackle a task.

  • Example: "How do you go about learning a new language?"

Summary:

In summary, "set about" is a useful phrase for starting tasks or projects. It helps express the idea of taking initiative and beginning an action.

Academic

Verb

1. take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
   • We began working at dawn
   • Who will start?
   • Get working as soon as the sun rises!
   • The first tourists began to arrive in Cambodia
   • He began early in the day
   • Let's get down to work now
2. enter upon an activity or enterprise
3. begin to deal with
   • approach a task
   • go about a difficult problem
   • approach a new project

Synonyms

• get down
• begin
• get
• start out
• start
• set out
• commence
• undertake
• attempt
• go about
• approach