Question

Choose the appropriate phrasal verb to complete the sentence-
Soon winter ____ and the nights became misty and chilly.
a) Set about
b) Set off
c) Set aside
d) Set in

Answer 1

Hint: Phrasal verbs consist of two basic words- The main verb + another part of speech. They are used to form a short phrase. Hence, they are known as phrasal verbs.

Complete answer:
 As given in the hint, phrasal verbs indicate a completely different meaning from the literal meaning of its words.
Example- ‘Pull’ is a verb while ‘Pull through’ is a phrasal verb.
(1) The teacher asked me to pull the rope.
(2) The teacher advised me to pull through the hardship.
In (1), we can understand the usage of ‘pull’ as being directed to holding something and pulling it while in (2), ‘pull through’ refers to surviving and making through difficult situations.
In the given question- We can conclude that soon winter set in and the nights became misty and chilly. ‘Set in’ refers to arrive or begin. ‘Set’ is a verb and ‘in’ is a preposition.
Now, let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Set about’ refers to start doing or setting to do something. Example- The minister set about to solve the issue. ‘Set about’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Set off’ refers to hitting the road or departing for a journey. Example- Our neighbours set off early in the morning. ‘Set off’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Set aside’ refers to keeping a part or portion of something for a specific use. Example- He has decided to set aside money for his wedding. ‘Set aside’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Set in’ refers to the arrival or onset of something unpleasant. ‘Set in’ matches the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
So, the correct answer is “Option d”.

Note:
Phrasal verbs can also be formed with the help of three or more words. Example- Verb + adverb + preposition; look forward to, put up with, etc.