The verb to set · Conjugation
Past Simple of set
The answer: set
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to set is set.
Example: I set the table for dinner.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | set |
| You | set |
| He / She / It | set |
| We | set |
| You (pl.) | set |
| They | set |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Setted ❌
Set → set → set: the form does not change, so never say setted. It is the same with put, cut, hit, let and shut.
2. Seting ❌
Set is short and ends in one vowel + one consonant, so the t doubles: setting, never seting.
3. The sun sets
With the sun, set means to go down in the evening: The sun sets at 8 pm in summer. The noun is sunset.
Practice quiz
Going further
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of set?+
The Past Simple of set is set, the same as the base form. All three forms are the same: set → set → set.
How do I know if set is present or past?+
Look at the time words. With yesterday or last week, it is the Past Simple: I set the alarm yesterday. For a habit, it is the present. With he, she or it, the present is sets: She sets the alarm every night.
What does set the table mean?+
Set the table means to put plates, glasses, knives and forks on the table before a meal. Can you set the table for dinner, please? It is a fixed expression.
Is it didn't set or didn't setted?+
Say didn't set: I didn't set the alarm. After didn't, use the base form, set. Setted does not exist.
Why is setting spelt with double t?+
Set is short and ends in one vowel + one consonant. So the t doubles before -ing: setting. It is the same with run → running.
Related pages: set Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/set/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to set are coming soon.