1 C1 formal
To start a journey or expedition.
"At dawn, the explorers set forth on what would prove to be a perilous trek."
inseparable
set forth
C1 formal mixed transitive/intransitive
To begin a journey, or to state or explain something formally and in full.
In plain English
To start a trip or journey, or to clearly explain a plan or idea in a formal way.
What does "set forth" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
To explain, state, or present something fully and formally.
"The report sets forth the committee's recommendations in considerable detail."
“
We hold these truths to be self-evident...
— United States Declaration of Independence (1776) — opens by setting forth foundational principles
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place oneself or an idea forward — extending 'forth' (meaning forward or outward) to both physical and abstract motion.
Actually means
To start a trip or journey, or to clearly explain a plan or idea in a formal way.
Usage tip
Largely literary or formal in modern English. The 'begin a journey' sense is found in older literature. The 'explain formally' sense survives in legal and academic writing.
Words that pair with "set forth"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
argument plan principles conditions case vision
How to conjugate "set forth"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set forth
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets forth
he/she/it
Past simple
set forth
yesterday
Past participle
set forth
have + pp
-ing form
setting forth
continuous
Hear "set forth" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set forth" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "set forth"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
articulate depart embark explain present state
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