Set about doing Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɛt/ /əˈbaʊt/ /ˈduɪŋ
SET uh-BOWT DOO-ing
sˈɛt/ /ɐbˈaʊt/ /dˈuːɪŋ
SET uh-BOWT DOO-ing
Definition
To begin doing something with determination or energy, often after deciding to do it or after planning.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in formal or written English. Often followed by a gerund ('set about cleaning'). Implies active, purposeful effort—stronger than simply 'begin'. Common in narratives.
Spanish: ponerse a hacer - empezar a hacerPortuguese (BR): começar a fazer - pôr-se a fazerPortuguese (PT): começar a fazer - pôr-se a fazerChinese (Simplified): 开始做Chinese (Traditional): 開始做Hindi: करने में लग जाना - शुरू करनाArabic: شرَع في القيام بBengali: শুরু করা - উদ্যোগীভাবে শুরু করাRussian: приступить (к делу) - энергично взяться заJapanese: 取りかかる - 本格的に始めるVietnamese: bắt tay vào - bắt đầu thực hiệnKorean: 착수하다 - 적극적으로 시작하다Turkish: girişmek - işe koyulmakUrdu: شروع کرنا - سرگرمی سے کرناIndonesian: mulai mengerjakan - memulai dengan tekad
Example Sentences
After breakfast, she set about doing her homework.
basic
The workers set about doing repairs right away.
basic
He set about doing the dishes after dinner.
basic
Without hesitation, they set about doing everything on the list.
natural
Let’s set about doing this project before it gets too late.
natural
She quietly set about doing what needed to be done, no complaints.
natural