set forth

Meanings

1. 1verbphrasal verbformal

   To explain or present ideas, rules or arguments clearly and in an organized way, usually in writing.

   Grammar: Takes an object: the report sets forth three proposals. The particle can follow the object: set the rules forth.

   Patterns

   • set something forth
   • set forth something

   The contract sets forth the duties of both the tenant and the landlord.

   In her essay, the professor set forth a bold theory about early trade routes.

   The rules set forth in the handbook apply to every employee.

2. 2verbintransitiveliteraryold-fashioned

   To start a journey, especially a long or important one.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by on or for: they set forth on a voyage.

   Patterns

   • set forth on something
   • set forth for somewhere

   The explorers set forth at dawn with enough supplies for a month.

   After a hearty breakfast, the knights set forth toward the mountains.

   She set forth on her career with little money but great hope.

Word forms

Common combinations

set forth a plan

The mayor set forth a plan to rebuild the old harbor.

set forth the terms

The letter sets forth the terms of the agreement.

set forth an argument

The lawyer set forth her argument in a clear, short statement.

as set forth in

Payment is due as set forth in section four of the contract.

set forth on a journey

They set forth on a journey across the desert.

Synonyms and how they differ

outline

Outline suggests giving only the main points, whereas set forth can imply a fuller and more formal statement.

state

State is plain and everyday, while set forth sounds official and usually applies to written documents.

set out

Set out is the more common everyday phrase for both starting a journey and presenting ideas, and is less formal.

embark

Embark, for the journey sense, often suggests boarding a ship or beginning a big venture, while set forth is more general and literary.

Word family

set verb

to put or arrange something in a position

forth adverb

forward or outward, an old-fashioned word

set out phrasal verb

a common alternative meaning to start a journey or explain something

henceforth adverb

from this time onward

Commonly confused: set forth or fourth?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “set forth”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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