setting sail

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   The act of beginning a journey by boat or ship.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often after 'be' or a preposition like 'before'.

   Patterns

   • be setting sail
   • before setting sail
   • after setting sail

   The crew is setting sail for the islands tomorrow morning.

   Before setting sail, they checked all the safety equipment.

   Setting sail in rough weather can be dangerous.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   The act of starting a new project or venture, especially with enthusiasm.

   Grammar: Used figuratively; often followed by 'on' and the project name.

   Patterns

   • setting sail on something
   • be setting sail on a journey

   After graduation, she is setting sail on a career in journalism.

   The company is setting sail on an ambitious expansion plan.

Common combinations

setting sail for

They are setting sail for Bermuda next week.

setting sail from

The ship is setting sail from Southampton at noon.

before setting sail

We stocked up on supplies before setting sail.

setting sail on

He is setting sail on a new business venture.

Synonyms and how they differ

departing

More general; can be used for any means of transport, not just boats.

embarking

Often used for beginning a journey or project, but less specifically nautical.

leaving

Common and neutral; does not imply a sea journey.

Opposites

Word family

set sail phrase

The base form; means to begin a sea journey.

sail verb

To travel on water in a boat or ship.

Commonly confused: setting sail or sailing?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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