set up camp vs set up a camp

Both 'set up camp' and 'set up a camp' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Set up camp' is more commonly used and refers to the action of establishing a campsite or settling in a specific location. On the other hand, 'set up a camp' is also correct but is less common and emphasizes the specific act of creating a camp with tents, equipment, etc.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1052 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"set up camp"

This phrase is used to describe the action of establishing a campsite or settling in a specific location.

Examples:

After a long day of hiking, we decided to set up camp by the river.
The scouts know how to set up camp quickly and efficiently.
We need to find a good spot to set up camp before it gets dark.

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Good time to set up camp, maybe.
We can't set up camp in no man's land.
All right, as soon as we find some open space, we'll set up camp.
Yeah. We should probably set up camp.
If we hurry we can set up camp in a sewer tunnel or something before the dogs completely take over.
It's getting kind of dark, we got to like set up camp.
If we don't make it there in a day, we can at least set up camp for the night.
Looks as good a place as any to set up camp.
All right, I'll set up camp outside the station.
O'Hara will set up camp and protect the herd.
We set up camp in this desolate terrain.
We'll set up camp here by this shoe.
We finally reached shore and set up camp.
O'Hara will set up camp and protect the herd.
We wanted to set up camp near Deer Stream trail head.
First we set up camp, then take care of you.
Let's set up camp in the pastry shop behind you.
Find somewhere that we can't be seen from the road and set up camp.
Last night they heard my call; today... more have set up camp.
I can tell from this you've set up camp on the high moral ground.

Alternatives:

establish a camp
pitch a tent
make camp
settle in for the night
create a campsite

This phrase is correct but less common than 'set up camp'. It emphasizes the specific act of creating a camp with tents, equipment, etc.

"set up a camp"

This phrase is also used to describe the action of establishing a campsite, but it emphasizes the specific act of setting up tents, equipment, and other camp-related items.

Examples:

The group decided to set up a camp in the clearing near the lake.
It took us a while to set up a camp with all the gear we brought.
They were able to set up a campfire and cook dinner in no time.

Show examples from the web [+]

Two days after, they set up a base camp.
You need to set up a temporary camp, to collect food look for water, organize all... from scratch.
It is a well-known fact that Romania is a community of people made up, for the most part, of the descendants of Roman soldiers who had set up a large camp there.
If we hurry we can set up camp in a sewer tunnel or something before the dogs completely take over.
Are you guys here to set up a boxing camp or are you undercover cops?
You want to set up base camp or a buffet?
For example, it has been reported that the soldiers are destroying roads with their trucks and that a Polish contingent nearly set up its camp in a churchyard.
'09, Bill H.R. 645 authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to set up a network of FEMA camps to intern U.S. citizens in the case of a national emergency.
All right, I'll set up camp outside the station.
O'Hara will set up camp and protect the herd.
We set up camp in this desolate terrain.
We'll set up camp here by this shoe.
We finally reached shore and set up camp.
Good time to set up camp, maybe.
O'Hara will set up camp and protect the herd.
Yeah. We should probably set up camp.
We wanted to set up camp near Deer Stream trail head.
'As we set up camp, the locals seemed to be busy as well.
First we set up camp, then take care of you.
We can't set up camp in no man's land.

Alternatives:

establish a camp with tents
pitch tents and set up camp
create a camping site
prepare a campsite
arrange a camp setup

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set up camp vs set up a camp

"set up camp"

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