Sit Vs. Set

Someone set the pot of flowers on the chair, but if I wanted to sit there, I'd have to move the pot first.

Like "lie" and "lay," sometimes it can be difficult to figure out how to use "sit" and "set" correctly. The word "sit" means to assume or be in an upright position, and it is almost always an intransitive verb, so it doesn't take an object. Example: I never sit in the front row at a movie theater.

The word "set" means to put or place something, and it often takes an object. Example: They set the plates on the table.

Here's how to conjugate both verbs:

An easy way to choose between using "sit" and "set" is to decide whether the noun in question has agency. If the noun has agency, in that it performs the action, then use “sit.” For example, Julie can sit on the sand. If, however, the noun is an object, without agency, then use “set.” A pail can't sit itself down on the sand, but Julie can set it there. It's a little tricky when the word "sit" is used to mean "to cause someone to be seated," as in "the waiter sat Julie at a table for four." Although the waiter has agency, and Julie is the object of the sentence, I remember that she still has the ability to seat herself, so the waiter wouldn't "set" her at a table for four.

When writing, if you mean to put something down, use "set." For everything else, use "sit," and you too will be sitting pretty.