3 sets vs 3 set

Both phrases are correct, but they're used in different contexts. '3 sets' is the correct form when referring to multiple sets, while '3 set' describes a single set. The choice between the two phrases depends on if you're talking about one set or more than one set.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 23, 2025 • 6492 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple sets.

"3 sets "

Use '3 sets' when you are talking about more than one set. The plural form 'sets' is used to indicate the multiple sets.

Examples:

I bought 3 sets of dishes for the party.
She completed 3 sets of exercises at the gym.

Show examples from the web [+]

Unless it's a squat machine, in which case I'm doing 3 sets of 12.
Flat and curved (3 sets)
Article 3 sets the conditions for purpose limitation and proportionality.
These additional words are not absolutely necessary as Article 3 sets out the terms for redeemability.
Part 3 sets out special rules for packaging.
Appendix 3 sets out the information required and its relation to the fields on the EAW.
Table 3 sets out both the continuing and the additional measures.
Article 3 sets the entry into force of the directive as the day of its publication, while Article 4 states that the directive is addressed to the Member States.
Article 3 sets the date on which the Regulation will come into force and provides for the repeal of Regulation 859/2003 on that same date.
On the last-mentioned subject, Amendment No 3 sets a deadline (31 December 1996) for the completion of the work of the working party which is to study the practical arrangements for such a system.
Paragraph 3 sets out the list of information to be exchanged either monthly (statistics (a)) or regularly (specific information linked to individual jurisdictions (b)).
It is permissible for all units and cases to use Method 3 set out in EN14363:2005 clause 4.1.3.4.1.
This safety analysis shall be considered in the safety analysis required by the safety requirement No 3 set out in clause 4.2.4.2.2 for the emergency brake function.
('P') The limitations to the use of Method 3 set out in EN 14363:2005 point 4.1.3.4.1 are not applicable for units that are intended for national use on the UK mainline network only.
One Chinese exporting producer contested the provisional findings with regard to the determination of MET and claimed that criteria 1 to 3 set out in Article 2(7)(c) of the basic Regulation were met.
The last 3 were set with these. 2 devices, simultaneous ignition.
As regards diphenylamine, Commission Regulation (EU) No 772/2013 [3] set temporary MRLs for apples and pears.
Council Directive 2000/29/EC [3] sets out a plant health regime.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1713 [3] sets such quantitative limits.
(3) Council Decision 2002/187/JHA(3) set up Eurojust.

Alternatives:

3 groups
3 collections
3 batches
3 assortments
3 series

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a single set.

"3 set"

Use '3 set' when you are talking about one set. The singular form 'set' is used to indicate a single set.

Examples:

I need to buy 3 set of knives for the kitchen.
She completed 3 set of tasks in record time.

Show examples from the web [+]

It is permissible for all units and cases to use Method 3 set out in EN14363:2005 clause 4.1.3.4.1.
This safety analysis shall be considered in the safety analysis required by the safety requirement No 3 set out in clause 4.2.4.2.2 for the emergency brake function.
One Chinese exporting producer contested the provisional findings with regard to the determination of MET and claimed that criteria 1 to 3 set out in Article 2(7)(c) of the basic Regulation were met.
('P') The limitations to the use of Method 3 set out in EN 14363:2005 point 4.1.3.4.1 are not applicable for units that are intended for national use on the UK mainline network only.
Article 3 sets the conditions for purpose limitation and proportionality.
These additional words are not absolutely necessary as Article 3 sets out the terms for redeemability.
Part 3 sets out special rules for packaging.
Unless it's a squat machine, in which case I'm doing 3 sets of 12.
Appendix 3 sets out the information required and its relation to the fields on the EAW.
Table 3 sets out both the continuing and the additional measures.
Flat and curved (3 sets)
Article 3 sets the entry into force of the directive as the day of its publication, while Article 4 states that the directive is addressed to the Member States.
Article 3 sets the date on which the Regulation will come into force and provides for the repeal of Regulation 859/2003 on that same date.
On the last-mentioned subject, Amendment No 3 sets a deadline (31 December 1996) for the completion of the work of the working party which is to study the practical arrangements for such a system.
Paragraph 3 sets out the list of information to be exchanged either monthly (statistics (a)) or regularly (specific information linked to individual jurisdictions (b)).
The last 3 were set with these. 2 devices, simultaneous ignition.
As regards diphenylamine, Commission Regulation (EU) No 772/2013 [3] set temporary MRLs for apples and pears.
Council Directive 2000/29/EC [3] sets out a plant health regime.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1713 [3] sets such quantitative limits.
(3) Council Decision 2002/187/JHA(3) set up Eurojust.

Alternatives:

a set of 3
a group of 3
a collection of 3
a batch of 3
a series of 3

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3 sets vs 3 set

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