Phrasal verbs · Free lesson
Set up a meeting: arrange it before it starts
On Monday, you contact two coworkers, agree on a time and send an invitation. The meeting is on Friday. You can say you set it up on Monday, even though nobody has attended it yet.
Professor Scott MendozaMeaning in this lesson
set up
Arrange for an event, such as a meeting, to happen.
Example
“I set up a meeting for Friday.”
I arranged a meeting that is scheduled for Friday.
The short answer
Set up a meeting means arrange it. “I set up a meeting for Friday” does not mean I started the meeting. With a pronoun, say set it up. The past form is also set: Yesterday I set up a meeting.
Arranging and meeting are different actions.
Set up names the arranging work. Add for Friday to give the meeting date, or with the design team to name the participants. A noun can follow up or sit between set and up: set up the meeting / set the meeting up. It goes in the middle: set it up.
Show what was arranged and when
I set up a meeting for Friday.
I set up a meeting with the design team.
I set it up yesterday.
Set stays set in the simple past. Do not add -ed. The words yesterday or on Monday can tell the listener when you made the arrangements.
Keep the two dates clear
When you arranged it
I set up the meeting on Monday.
When it will happen
The meeting is on Friday.
Try it now
Arrange it or start it?
Read all answers and explanations
It is Monday. You have agreed on a time and sent an invitation for Friday. Which sentence describes what you have done?
I have set up a meeting for Friday.You arranged the future meeting. Starting or finishing it would be a different action that the situation does not describe.
Replace the meeting with it. Which sentence is correct?
I set it up yesterday.Put it between set and up. The past tense of set is set, not setted.
Choose the sentence that says the meeting itself is planned for Friday.
I set up the meeting for Friday.For Friday gives the planned meeting date. Last Friday and before Friday locate the arranging action instead.
Put it into practice
Clarify a short update
You arranged the meeting on Monday. It will take place Friday. Keep both facts and repair the position of it.
The meeting is on Friday. I set up it on Monday.
See a model answer
The meeting is on Friday. I set it up on Monday.
Two short sentences separate the event date from the arranging date. No attendance or outcome is invented.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does set up mean the meeting has begun?
No. In this use it describes arranging the meeting. Say the meeting started if that is the event you want to report.
I set up the meeting yesterday. It starts at ten tomorrow.
Can I put the meeting between set and up?
Yes. Both noun positions are possible. With the pronoun it, use the middle position.
We set the meeting up yesterday.
Take it into your day
Set up a meeting means arrange it. Set it up keeps the pronoun in the middle; the meeting can still be in the future.
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