⭐ Founding Member Lock in £4.99/month, forever - only 100 of 100 spots left. Become a Founding Member
Phrasal Verbs 1 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "set up" mean?

"Set up" means to arrange or prepare something - but it has other meanings too. Here's how this versatile phrasal verb works.

Main meanings

1. To arrange, prepare, or establish

"Can you set up the projector for the meeting?"
"She set up her own business at 28."
"We need to set up a new system."

2. To arrange a meeting or introduction

"I'll set up a call between you two."
"My friend set me up on a date." (arranged a date for me)

3. To frame someone (unfairly blame them)

"He didn't do it - he was set up."
"I think she set him up to take the blame."

Setup (noun) - the arrangement or system:
"What's the setup in your office?"
"It's a nice setup." (equipment, arrangement)
"The whole thing was a setup." (a trap or trick)

Separable

"Set up the meeting." βœ“ / "Set the meeting up." βœ“ / "Set it up." βœ“

Most common in tech/business

Setting up accounts, systems, processes:
"Can you set me up with access to the drive?"

Frequently asked

What does "set up" mean?

"Set up" means to arrange or prepare something - but it has other meanings too. Here's how this versatile phrasal verb works.

Share this: WhatsApp 𝕏 LinkedIn Facebook

Phrasal verbs are one of the hardest parts of English to master.

LLH Tutor explains them in plain language, so you know exactly when and how to use each one.

Save to your vocabulary
Free signup. Review with spaced repetition.