"set up" vs "setting up"

Question

"set up" vs "setting up"

Both 'set up' and 'setting up' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Set up' is a phrasal verb that is used when referring to the action of arranging or establishing something, while 'setting up' is the present participle form of the verb 'set up' and is used when describing an ongoing action or process.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use 'set up' when referring to the action of arranging or establishing something. It is often used in sentences like 'We need to set up the equipment before the event.'

Examples:

He will set up a new business next year.
She set up the tent in the backyard.
Let's set up a meeting to discuss the project.
The team set up a fundraising campaign for the charity.
They set up a system to track their expenses.

Alternatives:

establish
arrange
organize
assemble
put together

Use 'setting up' when you want to describe the continuous action of arranging or establishing something. It is often used in sentences like 'They are setting up the stage for the concert.'

Examples:

She is setting up a new business in town.
They are setting up the equipment for the event.
We are setting up a new system to improve efficiency.
He was setting up the computer when the power went out.
The team is setting up a new office in the city.

Alternatives:

arranging
establishing
organizing
putting together
preparing

Answer 1

set up

This is a correct phrasal verb commonly used in English.

Answer 2

setting up

This is the present participle form of the verb 'set up' and is used to describe an ongoing action or process.

"set up" vs "setting up"

set up

setting up

Related Comparisons