Put aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"put aside" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to setting something apart or reserving it for later use. Example: "She decided to put aside her worries and focus on the task at hand." Alternative expressions include "set aside" and "reserve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Put aside nearer £10k.

Independent

Put aside the imprecise, non-grammatical writing.

The New York Times

Put aside theology for a moment.

The New Yorker

Put aside the mangling of the language.

The New York Times

Put aside morality and hygiene.

The New Yorker

Put aside to cool a little.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put aside your fears.

Forbes

Put aside quality and think about economics.

Forbes

Put aside worries about appearing overly aggressive.

BBC

Put aside the politics and the heated rhetoric.

Forbes

Put aside any homework, chores, arguments.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Put aside" to mean saving money, ensure the context is clear. For instance, "I put aside $50 each week for emergencies" is more explicit than just "I put money aside."

Common error

Avoid using "Put aside" when you intend a permanent removal or disposal. "Discard" or "eliminate" would be more appropriate if you do not plan to revisit the item or idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "Put aside" primarily functions as a transitive verb indicating the act of reserving something for future use or intentionally disregarding something, either temporarily or permanently, to focus on other priorities. Ludwig shows examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

27%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "Put aside" is a versatile and commonly used expression with two primary meanings: to save something for later use and to intentionally ignore something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. Its frequency is very common, especially in news and media. When writing, be mindful of whether you intend a temporary or permanent action, and ensure the context aligns with your intended meaning. Related phrases such as "set aside" or "reserve" can offer nuanced alternatives, while being aware of the common mistakes ensures clarity in your writing. The phrase's register is typically neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Set aside

Interchangeable in many contexts, particularly when referring to saving money or resources for later use.

Reserve

Focuses on keeping something available for future use, often implying a formal or planned action.

Save for later

Directly indicates the intention to use something at a subsequent time.

Lay aside

Similar to "Put aside", but can sometimes imply a more permanent removal or abandonment.

Ignore temporarily

Emphasizes the act of disregarding something for a limited period.

Postpone consideration

Highlights the deferral of a decision or evaluation to a later time.

Shelve

Suggests putting a project or idea on hold, often indefinitely.

Defer

Implies delaying something to a specified future time or event.

Table

To postpone or suspend consideration of (a motion, bill, etc.)

Disregard for the moment

Focuses on intentionally ignoring something for a specific, limited duration.

FAQs

How can I use "Put aside" in a sentence?

You can use "Put aside" to mean saving something for later, as in "I try to put some money aside each month". It can also mean to ignore something temporarily, as in "Let's put our differences aside and work together".

What's the difference between "Put aside" and "set aside"?

"Put aside" and "set aside" are often interchangeable. However, "set aside" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate act of reserving something, while "put aside" might be slightly more casual.

Which is correct, "Put aside our differences" or "Put our differences aside"?

Both "Put aside our differences" and "Put our differences aside" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The word order is flexible in this case.

What can I say instead of "Put aside" when referring to ignoring something?

You could use alternatives like "disregard", "ignore temporarily", or "overlook" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.