start out vs set about

start out and set about both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
start out	No	No	Yes	No
set about	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, start out and set about are synonyms defined as:

start out and set about: take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

Other synonyms of start out include begin, commence, get, get down, set out, start.

start out (verb)	set about (verb)
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action	take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
depart for someplace	enter upon an activity or enterprise
	begin to deal with