Quick Definition
Set Up — To prepare, arrange, or establish something; to start a business or organisation.
Meanings of Set Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Arrange/prepare | Can you set up the projector before the meeting? | Can you prepare it? |
| Start a business | She set up her own bakery in 2019. | She established/started a bakery. |
| Frame someone | He claimed he was set up by his colleagues. | He claimed he was framed. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Can you set up the projector before the meeting? | Can you prepare it? |
| She set up her own bakery in 2019. | She established/started a bakery. |
| He claimed he was set up by his colleagues. | He claimed he was framed. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll set up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive
Transitive and separable: set the equipment up or set up the equipment. Pronoun before particle: set it up.
How to Use Set Up
Neutral. Very common in business and technical contexts.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Can you set up the projector before the meeting? |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Set Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Set Up
What does "Set Up" mean?
"Set Up" means: To prepare, arrange, or establish something; to start a business or organisation. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Set Up" separable or inseparable?
"Set Up" is separable. Transitive and separable: set the equipment up or set up the equipment. Pronoun before particle: set it up.
How do I use "Set Up" in a sentence?
Can you set up the projector before the meeting? -- in this example, 'Set Up' means can you prepare it?
What is the register of "Set Up"?
Neutral. Very common in business and technical contexts.
What CEFR level is "Set Up"?
"Set Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Set Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Set Up" specifically means: To prepare, arrange, or establish something; to start a business or organisation. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Set Up" be used formally?
Neutral. Very common in business and technical contexts. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Set Up" take an object?
"Set Up" is transitive. Transitive and separable: set the equipment up or set up the equipment. Pronoun before particle: set it up.
How can I practise "Set Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Set Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Set Up" used in British or American English?
"Set Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. Very common in business and technical contexts.