From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words as it…

Analyze the question: The sentence is "I was barely half way home when darkness ____." We need the phrasal verb that correctly describes darkness beginning or arriving.

Explain the concept: "Set in" is a phrasal verb meaning to begin and seem likely to continue. It is used with things like weather, night, darkness, winter, rain, or decay.

• "Winter has set in."
• "Darkness set in."

Check each option:

• A. set out means to begin a journey or to arrange something. "Darkness set out" makes no sense.
• B. set in means to begin, to arrive (of darkness or weather). "Darkness set in" fits perfectly.
• C. set up means to establish or arrange something. It does not describe darkness arriving.
• D. set off means to start a journey or to trigger something, such as an alarm. It does not fit here.

Answer: The sentence reads: *I was barely half way home when darkness set in.

Tip: Link "set in" with things that arrive and stay, such as darkness, rain, winter, fatigue, or infection. If the subject is a natural condition that begins, think "set in." If it is a journey, think "set out" or "set off."