1 A2 neutral
To prepare or arrange equipment, furniture, or a system so it is ready to use.
"Can you set up the projector before the presentation starts?"
separable
set up
A2 neutral separable transitive
To prepare, arrange, or establish something so that it is ready to use or function.
In plain English
To get everything ready so something can work, or to start a new business or organisation.
What does "set up" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To start or establish a business, organisation, or system.
"She used her savings to set up a small café in the village."
“
I set up a company in my early 20s.
— Richard Branson, in various interviews about founding Virgin Records.
separable
3 B1 neutral
To arrange a meeting, appointment, or social situation for someone else.
"My colleague set up a meeting with the clients for Thursday afternoon."
separable
4 B2 idiomatic informal
To trick or frame someone, making them appear guilty of something they did not do.
"He claimed he hadn't stolen the money and that someone had set him up."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something in an upright or functional position — like setting up a tent or table.
Actually means
To get everything ready so something can work, or to start a new business or organisation.
Usage tip
Extremely versatile and one of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Can refer to technology (set up a computer), business (set up a company), appointments (set up a meeting), traps (set someone up), and more. The noun 'setup' (or 'set-up') is widely used.
Words that pair with "set up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
business meeting account system equipment camp
How to conjugate "set up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets up
he/she/it
Past simple
set up
yesterday
Past participle
set up
have + pp
-ing form
setting up
continuous
Hear "set up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.