phrasal verb 'set in'
Phrasal verbMain meaning
set in
[sɛt ɪn]
to begin and seem likely to continue

Other meanings

  • (of weather, season, or situation) to start and stay for a while
  • (of feelings, moods, or conditions) to develop and become noticeable
  • (of decay, rust, or rot) to start affecting something

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "set in"

  • When the rain set in, everyone rushed indoors.
  • Winter has set in, and the days are getting shorter.
  • Panic set in when the lights went out.
  • If the infection sets in, you should see a doctor immediately.
  • Once bad habits set in, they are hard to break.

Features of Using "set in"

Separability:Inseparable Transitivity:Intransitive Level:B1 Particle:in

Set in is always intransitive and inseparable. It is most often used about unpleasant things — bad weather, negative emotions, or unwanted situations — that begin and continue for some time. It gives the sense of something settling in or becoming established. It’s rarely used in the progressive form (is setting in is possible but uncommon).

Other phrasal verbs with the verb set

setup

set up

to establish or arrange something
set-off

set off

to start a journey
set out

set out

to begin a journey or start an activity with a purpose
set apart

set apart

to make something or someone different, distinctive, or special
set aside

set aside

to save or reserve something for a special purpose
set back

set back

to delay the progress of something