SET UP is essential for modern life — setting up computers, accounts, meetings, equipment, and more. Let's master its pronunciation.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
Stress falls on UP:
- set = less stressed
- UP = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "set UP" not "SET up"
Connected Speech: The Flapped T
In American English, when /t/ comes between vowels (or between a vowel and a vowel-like sound), it becomes a "flap" — a very quick sound similar to a Spanish "r" tap.
- Written: set up
- Sounds like: "se-DUP" /seˈɾʌp/ or /seˈdʌp/
The /t/ becomes a quick flap when linking to "up."
With Objects
Multiple Meanings
1. Prepare/arrange
2. Install/configure (tech)
3. Establish (business)
4. Frame/trap someone (informal)
The Noun: SETUP
As a noun (one word), the stress shifts:
Verb: set UP /set ˈʌp/ (stress on UP)
Noun: SETup /ˈsetʌp/ (stress on SET)
Separable Verb
SET UP is separable:
- ✅ "Set up the equipment."
- ✅ "Set the equipment up."
- ✅ "Set it up."
The /e/ Vowel in "Set"
"Set" has the short /e/ vowel (like "bed" and "red"):
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. Not using the flapped T
In American English, the T between vowels becomes a flap. "Set up" sounds more like "se-DUP."
2. The /ʌ/ vowel
"Up" has /ʌ/, a central unrounded vowel. It's not the Spanish "a."
3. Equal stress on both words
Remember: stress UP, not "set."
Practice Sentences
- "Set UP the tent." → /seˈɾʌp ðə tent/
- "I'll set it UP later." → /aɪl ˈseɾɪˈɾʌp ˈleɪtɚ/
- "The setup is easy." → /ðə ˈsetʌp ɪz ˈiːzi/
- "We set UP a meeting." → /wi set ˈʌp ə ˈmiːtɪŋ/
Tech Context
SET UP is extremely common in technology:
Quick Summary
- Stress on UP: set UP
- Flapped T in American English: "se-DUP"
- Noun "setup" has stress on first syllable
- Separable: "set it up"
- Very common in tech and business contexts
Next: How to pronounce BRING UP.