Phrasal verb
set off
To set off means to start a journey or to cause something to begin suddenly.
Meanings
To start a journey; to leave and begin traveling.
To trigger something so it starts suddenly (such as an alarm, explosion, or chain reaction).
To make someone or something react strongly, especially by upsetting or irritating them.
Definition
To set off often means to leave a place and begin traveling to another place. It can also mean to cause an event or reaction to start, especially suddenly, such as an alarm ringing or an argument beginning. The meaning is usually clear from the context and the object that follows.
Examples
- We set off at dawn to avoid traffic.
- The burnt toast set off the smoke alarm.
- That remark really set off an argument.
- If you touch that wire, it could set off a spark.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse set off (start a journey/trigger) with set out (begin a plan or explain something).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.