Set about Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɛt/ /əˈbaʊt
SET uh-BOWT
sˈɛt/ /ɐbˈaʊt
SET uh-BOWT
Definition
To begin doing something, especially in a determined or energetic way.
Usage & Nuances
This is a slightly formal, somewhat literary phrasal verb. Often followed by a gerund ("set about cleaning"). Used when someone tackles a task with purpose. Not used for starting things accidentally.
Spanish: ponerse a - empezar aPortuguese (BR): começar a - pôr-se aPortuguese (PT): começar a - pôr-se aChinese (Simplified): 开始做 - 着手Chinese (Traditional): 開始做 - 著手Hindi: शुरू करना - लग जानाArabic: يشرع في - يبدأ بـBengali: শুরু করা - সংঘটিত হওয়াRussian: приступить - взятьсяJapanese: 取りかかる - 取り組むVietnamese: bắt tay vào - bắt đầu thực hiệnKorean: 착수하다 - 시작하다Turkish: başlamak - girişmekUrdu: شروع کرنا - کسی کام میں لگ جاناIndonesian: mulai mengerjakan - mulai melakukan
Example Sentences
She set about making dinner as soon as she got home.
basic
The workers set about repairing the roof after the storm.
basic
He set about studying for his exams early this year.
basic
Without missing a beat, the team set about solving the problem.
natural
They set about turning the old house into a cozy café.
natural
As soon as the idea came to her, she set about making it happen.
natural