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All confusables

Set up / Setup

Different forms

Set up is the verb; setup is the noun or adjective. If you can put “to” before it, use two words.

Set up

Use when

You need the verb meaning arrange, configure or establish.

Example

“Set up multifactor authentication before launch.”

Setup

Use when

You need the noun or adjective for an arrangement or configuration.

Example

“The setup guide explains the initial account configuration.”

Quick check

setup the account, set-up the account, complete the set up

Source checked 2026-08-11 (opens in a new tab)