The Phrasal Verb 'Set Forth' Explained
- Phrasal Verbs Explained
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
An explanation of the different meanings of the English phrasal verb 'set forth' from a native speaker, with lots of examples in context
Hello and welcome to my website for English learners all about phrasal verbs where I explain their different meanings to help you understand, learn and use them like a native.
This is an article about the phrasal verb 'set forth' and its different meanings and uses in English. You may not be very familiar with this phrasal verb as it is quite rare, however we do use it and so there is a good chance that you will come across it at some point. Plus, it's always good to have new vocabulary to learn 😊 In the post, I will explain the two main ways that 'set forth' is used in English and provide you with lots of example sentences. So, without further ado, let's get started....
TABLE OF CONTENTSÂ (Click to jump to each one)
The Basics: Key information and the words 'set' and 'forth'
Meaning 1: To give the details of something
Meaning 2: To start a journey
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THE BASICS
SET FORTH: KEY INFORMATION
Usage | Medium |
Number of meanings | 2 |
Past tense forms | Set forth / Set forth |
Separable? | Sometimes |
As usual, let's begin by breaking down the phrasal verb into it's individual words, which in this case are 'set' and 'forth'.
If you've read any of my other articles featuring the verb 'to set', you will know that this word is the champion of all English words as it is has more meanings than any of the others in the entire language. When used as verb, it therefore has many different applications, some of which are quite specific and obscure so we do not need to worry about those. The meanings that are the most relevant for this article however are 'to start doing something' and 'to cause something to be in a specific condition or situation'....
Jane set the project in motion with a detailed proposal.
The announcement set the negotiations into action.
The council set the wheels turning for the new community centre.
The team immediately set to work on the new software upgrade.
Becci's decision set a chain of events into motion.
The new CEO set the company on a path to success.
The prepositional particle in our chosen phrasal verb is 'forth', which is one that many of you may not know as it is not one that appears very often in English. Firstly, you should note 'forth' is pronounced in exactly the same way as the ordinal number fourth / 4th. The meaning is very different though as it is used either to indicate movement away from a place or the passing of time after a specific point.
The river flowed forth into the valley below.
From that day forth, John never drank alcohol again.
MEANING 1: To give clear and detailed information
CEFR Language Level | B2 - Upper intermediate |
Usage | Medium |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To state, to write, to specify, to list |
Separable? | No |
The first of the two applications of 'set forth' that we will cover in this article is the most common one and means 'to give clear and detailed information about something'.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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We use this first application of 'set forth' to talk about presenting information, facts, figures, arguments etc. to others in a clear, comprehensive and well-structured way so that they can interpret and understand it. While it can be used to talk about giving information orally, it tends to be used mainly for when it is given in writing.
'Set forth' can be used in this way for many reasons including to present arguments or facts, to state terms and conditions in business, to publish the results of studies and experiments or to give the reasons for a criminal's actions in court.
This is quite a formal application and therefore you are much more likely to find it in intellectual and serious articles, legal documents and scientific papers than you are to find it on a social media post, in a gossip magazine or a conversation amongst friends in the pub.
On a grammatical note, this usage is separable and the direct object e.g. argument or information can go between 'set' and 'forth' or after. If the information is the subject of the sentence, it cannot be separated.
In his speech, the president set forth his vision for the country's future.
The terms and conditions are clearly set forth in the contract.
She set her arguments forth in a well-organised essay.
The report sets forth the main findings of the investigation.
He set his ideas about education reform forth during the meeting.
The guidelines are set forth in the company handbook.
In her memoir, she sets forth the events that shaped her career.
The scientists set forth their theory with supporting evidence.
MEANING 2: To start a journey
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Rare |
Where is it used? | Literary English |
Potential synonyms | To set out, to set off, to begin, to start, to depart, to leave, to head off, to head out |
Separable? | No |
Our second and final application of 'set forth' is a rarer one that is not so common in modern English and means to start a journey.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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This usage is not one that you are likely to hear in everyday conversation and so if you use it to casually talk about leaving your house to go to work or to go to the shop, it would sound a bit strange and unnatural.
It does have its place though and if you like to read English novels, particularly older and classic ones, then you are probably more likely to see 'set forth' being used in this way. The reason for this is that it is now mainly used in literary works, which is sad because I think it sounds quite dramatic and would love to use it in my everyday conversations!
The climbers set forth from the village, determined to reach the mountain summit.
The pilgrims set forth in search of a new home in a different land.
We set forth with high hopes and a sense of adventure.
The knights set forth to rescue the captured prince.
After weeks of preparation, the team of scientists finally set forth into the desert.
Elizabeth set forth alone, guided only by the stars.
When we want to specify a noun like a journey or expedition that we are starting, we need to add the additional preposition 'on'.
The team set forth on their long journey across the mountains.
Early in the morning, we set forth on our adventure.
The crew set forth on a mission to explore uncharted waters.
The nun set forth on a pilgrimage to the sacred site.
The army set forth on a campaign to reclaim lost territory.
King Alfred set forth on a quest to find his missing brother.
As you will note from the example sentences given above, this application of 'set forth' is not separable.
We have now reached the end of this post and I just want to say thank you for clicking on my post and reading it. I hope that you've enjoyed it and have been able to learn something new about the phrasal verb 'set forth'. If you enjoyed this post, please go ahead and check out some of my other posts.
Now it is YOUR turn. Can you think of a sentence yourself using 'set forth'. Write it in the comments section below if you can, or alternatively any comments, suggestions or feedback that you may have....don't be shy!!!
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