Set out or set about

[pfft]

Hi,
I recently took a test at school and my teacher already gave everyone their results. Though there was one question I wasn't very happy with.

The question went like this.
please fill in the blanks with the suitable answer given.

I reluctantly set______ whisking the eggs.
A.out
B.off
C.about
D.on

I answered C but my teacher said it was A.

Help.
Thank You

[Route21]

Hi pfft

As a NES, but, I'm afraid, not a teacher, I would have answered the same as you.

"I reluctantly set out to whisk the eggs" may also work, but isn't an option.

Regards
R21

[5jj]

Your teacher was wrong. You were right.

[allenman]

As a native AmE speaker, my natural reaction is use (c).

Very slight difference in sound to my ear but "set out" sounds like a journey for the day. "Set about" sounds like something I prepared to do at that moment.

Edit: I just re-read it, no way I would ever say (a) in this context.

Not a teacher, Native AmE speaker

[riquecohen]

Hi,
I recently took a test at school and my teacher already gave everyone their results. Though there was one question I wasn't very happy with.

The question went like this.
please fill in the blanks with the suitable answer given.

I reluctantly set______ whisking the eggs.
A.out
B.off
C.about
D.on

I answered C but my teacher said it was A.

Help.
Thank You

None of the options appears natural to this AmE-speaker. I would most likely use "started," "began" or "proceeded" with the infinitive.