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A2Planning a Holiday

How to Use 'Set Off' When Planning Your Holiday

Phrasal Verb: set off |Grammar: Future with Going To

Objective

Students will learn to use the phrasal verb 'set off' and form sentences about future plans using 'going to' in the context of starting a holiday journey.

Article

When you plan a holiday, it is exciting to think about when you will set off. Setting off means starting your journey. Tomorrow, I am going to set off early in the morning to avoid traffic. My family is also going to set off together to the airport. We are going to set off with our suitcases packed and ready. Sometimes, people set off late, but it is better to set off early to have a smooth start. On the day we set off, we are going to check that we have all our tickets and passports. Setting off is the first step of a great holiday, and we are all going to enjoy it very much.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'set off' means to begin a journey or start travelling.

Grammar Note

The future with 'going to' is used to talk about plans or intentions for the near future. It is formed with the verb 'to be' + 'going to' + base verb.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'set off' when talking about the beginning of a trip or journey.
  • Remember to use 'going to' for plans you have already decided.
  • Combine 'set off' with time expressions like 'tomorrow' or 'in the morning' for clarity.

Examples

We are going to set off at 7 am to catch the train.

Talking about leaving early in the morning.

She is going to set off for the airport after breakfast.

Describing a planned start to her journey.

They are going to set off on holiday next Saturday.

Future plan for a holiday trip.

I am going to set off with my friends for the beach tomorrow.

Planned departure with friends.

We are going to set off soon, so please pack your bags.

Preparing to start the journey shortly.

Dialogue

Context: Two friends are talking about their plans to start their holiday trip tomorrow.

A:
When are we going to set off for the holiday?
B:
We are going to set off early in the morning to avoid traffic.
A:
Great! I am going to pack my bags tonight.
B:
Don’t forget we are going to set off with our passports and tickets.
A:
Yes, I am going to check everything before we leave.
B:
Perfect! It’s going to be a fun trip once we set off.

Vocabulary

Journey
The act of travelling from one place to another
Example: Our journey to the beach will take two hours.
Synonym: trip
Holiday
A period of time when you do not work and relax
Example: We are going on holiday next month.
Synonym: vacation
Pack
To put clothes and other items into a bag
Example: I need to pack my suitcase tonight.
Synonym: fill
Traffic
The vehicles moving on roads
Example: There is heavy traffic in the city centre.
Synonym: congestion
Passport
An official document for travel between countries
Example: You must bring your passport to the airport.
Synonym: ID
Airport
A place where planes take off and land
Example: We will meet at the airport before the flight.
Synonym: airfield
Ticket
A paper or electronic document allowing travel
Example: I bought a train ticket for our trip.
Synonym: pass
Plan
A decision about what you want to do in the future
Example: Our plan is to visit the museum tomorrow.
Synonym: schedule
Leave
To go away from a place
Example: We will leave the hotel at 10 am.
Synonym: depart
Early
Before the usual or expected time
Example: We are going to set off early to avoid delays.
Synonym: ahead

Tips

  • Always check your bags and documents before you set off.
  • Use 'going to' when you already have a plan for your trip.
  • Don't confuse 'set off' with 'set up' – they mean different things.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned that 'set off' means to start a journey. You also practised using 'going to' for future plans. Now you can talk about when you are going to set off for your holiday.

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