Phrasal verb “set out” - meanings, pronunciation, transcription, examples

Phrasal verb	Main meaning
set out [sɛt aʊt]	to begin a journey or start an activity with a purpose

Other meanings

to state, explain, or describe something clearly and in detail
to arrange or place items on display or ready for use
to intend or plan (usually used with "to" + infinitive)

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "set out"

They set out early in the morning to avoid the heat.
She set out to learn Spanish and practiced every day.
The architect set out the plans during the meeting.
He set out the tools on the bench before he started repairing the bike.
The manual sets out the rules for use and maintenance.

Features of Using "set out"

Separability:Optionally separable Transitivity:Transitive and Intransitive Level:B1 Particle:out

Set out is versatile. When it means "begin a journey" or "begin an activity" it is usually intransitive and commonly followed by an infinitive (set out to do). When it means "explain" or "lay out" it is transitive — you can set out facts or plans. The particle out can sometimes be separated from set (e.g., "set the tools out"), so many contexts allow both orders. Pay attention to the meaning from context to decide if an object is required.