1 B1 neutral
To move a clock or watch to show a later time.
"Don't forget to set your clocks ahead by one hour on Sunday night."
separable
set ahead
B1 neutral separable transitive
To advance a clock or schedule to a later time.
In plain English
To move the hands of a clock forward so it shows a later time.
What does "set ahead" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something in a position further forward — applied literally to clock hands.
Actually means
To move the hands of a clock forward so it shows a later time.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Used most often in the context of daylight saving time. British English tends to use 'put forward' for clocks.
Words that pair with "set ahead"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
clock watch alarm schedule clocks
How to conjugate "set ahead"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
set ahead
yesterday
Past participle
set ahead
have + pp
-ing form
setting ahead
continuous
Hear "set ahead" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set ahead" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "set ahead"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.