gerund or to infinitive (set out...)

[retro]

I wonder if set out is followed by gerund or to infinitive. My dictionary includes sentences: "She set out to break the world record" and "They succeeded in what they set out to do". But I found another one on the Internet which says "We won't set out looking for a draw".

Are they both OK?

[baqarah131]

They're both correct but the meaning is different.

Set out + infinitive gives a purpose, an intention, a goal:
She set out to learn perfect English.
He set out to find a wife.
They set out to become the world's best baseball team.

Set out + gerund is not very common. It would tell how you did something.
They set out running.
They set out on their journey, cycling nearly a hundred kilometers a day.

Wishing you success
edward

Sh

Originally Posted by retro

I wonder if set out is followed by gerund or to infinitive. My dictionary includes sentences: "She set out to break the world record" and "They succeeded in what they set out to do". But I found another one on the Internet which says "We won't set out looking for a draw".

Are they both OK?