1 B2 neutral
To start doing something in a purposeful and energetic way.
"She set about reorganising the entire filing system on her first day."
inseparable
set about
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To begin doing something with determination, or to attack someone physically.
In plain English
To start doing something in a purposeful way, or to physically attack someone.
What does "set about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To attack someone physically.
"The gang set about the lone tourist without any warning."
inseparable
Usage tip
The 'begin' sense is often followed by a gerund ('set about doing something'). The 'attack' sense is informal and mainly British English.
Words that pair with "set about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
task problem job repairs redesign reorganisation
How to conjugate "set about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets about
he/she/it
Past simple
set about
yesterday
Past participle
set about
have + pp
-ing form
setting about
continuous
Hear "set about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "set about"
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