1
Core action
Present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
Example
The opening chapters set forth the article's main argument.
set forth
/set fɔːθ/ · set FORTHformal-presentation phrase
Present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
Use set forth to express this relationship precisely: present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
What set forth Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The charter sets forth a series of governing principles.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The reports set forth the proposed procedure in detail.
Use set forth Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The opening chapters set forth the article's main argument.
The charter sets forth a series of governing principles.
The reports set forth the proposed procedure in detail.
Precision Matters
Set forth overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
set forth
vs.Means present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
put forward
Means present an idea, explanation, proposal, or candidate for consideration.
set forth
vs.Means present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
point out
Means draw attention to a fact, detail, problem, or implication by stating it explicitly.
set forth
vs.Means present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
assert
Means to state or defend a claim confidently and directly.
set forth
vs.Means present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
make a case for
Means present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.
Test set forth in Context
The pages formally state the criteria for the reader.
1
The report's opening pages ___ the criteria used to include or exclude each study.