set off to vs set out to

Both 'set off to' and 'set out to' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Set off to' is commonly used to indicate the beginning of a journey or trip, while 'set out to' is used to express the intention or purpose of an action or goal. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to physically starting a journey or embarking on a specific task or objective.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1046 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the beginning of a journey or trip.

"set off to"

The phrase 'set off to' is used when someone is starting a journey or trip. It implies physically leaving a place to go to another destination.

Examples:

We set off to the mountains early in the morning.
They set off to explore the city on foot.
She set off to visit her relatives in another state.
The group set off to find the hidden treasure.
He set off to chase his dreams in a new city.

Show examples from the web [+]

And the Dayaks bundled her into a cage and set off to sell her down the river.
The new king was in no hurry to pay for his ransom, and to prove this, Mortimer's cousins, the Percys, set off to Windsor, to see the King.
Hammond set off to get the groom, leaving me in a spot of bother with my new trousers.
Hammond set off to get the groom,
As Olive set off to make the best of her new life, She was sorely missed in the one she left behind.
With all that cleared up, we set off to do exploring.
Antony gathered his troops and set off to take Gaul.
Antony gathered his troops and set off to take Gaul.
Then I fired up the two-stroke, 100cc engine and set off to London.
With the speed equipment working, I set off to disprove James' photographic evidence.
And he set off to sea, even as his mother mysteriously turned back.
He set off to Paris at once, but his car came off the road near Lille.
So I set off to Zbara¿, too.
Jock and I set off to deliver the Rolls to my client, Milton Krampf.
You see, I didn't set off to see the world.
So a few years ago, I set off to do just that.
Once everything has been executed according to plan, the bank's alarms must be set off to simulate a burglary interrupted in progress.
And so he said goodbye to Polina... and set off to win back the heart of his true love.
Michael set off to prison to tell off his father when he discovered his son.
As the private eye set off to test his new theory for leaks the tall drink of water driving into the darkness remained unaware of her hidden cargo.

Alternatives:

head off to
depart for
embark on a journey to
start off to
begin a trip to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the intention or purpose of an action or goal.

"set out to"

The phrase 'set out to' is used when someone is embarking on a specific task, goal, or objective. It indicates the purpose or intention behind the action.

Examples:

She set out to become a doctor at a young age.
They set out to create a better future for themselves.
He set out to prove his critics wrong.
The team set out to win the championship this year.
We set out to explore new opportunities in the market.

Show examples from the web [+]

I've accomplished everything in this sport I set out to accomplish.
I didn't set out to give new talented cameramen a chance.
I have destroyed everything I set out to protect.
Believe me, I did not set out to cheat on maria.
He didn't set out to forgive a massive parcel of debt.
I never set out to take her off you.
I set out to uncover exactly that.
The Commission proposal does not set out to fundamentally change the provisions of the current regulation.
Dwight set out to reclaim the mysterious timepiece one last time.
Their active immune systems set out to attack the virus.
Bad luck Barry set out to get his revenge.
I'm doing what we set out to do.
I have destroyed what I set out to defend.
Page always did whatever she set out to do.
You did what you set out to do.
We forced him when the company of Thorin Oakenshield set out to reclaim... their homeland.
The regulation does not set out to regulate the entire area of non-contractual obligations.
Marshall and Lily set out to watch Sleepless in Seattle.
So, they set out to find a new apartment to rent.
My own brother purposefully set out to hurt me.

Alternatives:

aim to
intend to
strive to
endeavor to
pursue the goal of

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set off to vs set out to

"set off to"

"set out to"

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