set
verb (used with object)
to put (something or someone) in a particular place.
were setting
-
past progressiveof set.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Colleges raced to prove they were setting their students up for success after graduation by investing in what was thought to be a sure path to financial stability: the computer-science major.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026
OMB officials told lawmakers they were setting aside $19 billion to cover those costs, though they anticipated the total would be “substantially” less.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
“They were setting up a pentagon,” he said, “to build attacks.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Fast forward to 2022-23 and Arsenal were setting records.
From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2026
“We were setting the traps, I said. Not checking them.”
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
