can be set aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be set aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something can be disregarded or not considered for the time being. Example: "In this discussion, certain assumptions can be set aside to focus on the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Fillets can be set aside for up to two hours.

The New York Times - Food

All that blood and death can be set aside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Legal precedent has demanded that deliberate fraud be demonstrated before a vote can be set aside.

The Economist

Only one-tenth of the garbage they sort through can be set aside for recycling.

The New York Times

Any idea that Amy's character has nothing to do with her gender can be set aside.

The Guardian - Film

That secrecy can be set aside only in cases of fraud or other criminal offenses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it can hardly be set aside, especially for a film with lofty ideals.

The Guardian - Film

Inter-agency disputes can surely be set aside during this overheated real estate market.

The New York Times

He must not treat yesterday's speech as a symbolic gesture that can quickly be set aside to make way for an American attack.

The New York Times

In a sharp break with previous interpretations of the law, it suggested that the fees charged by an adviser like Harris can only be set aside if the adviser misleads or interferes with a fund's ability to negotiate fees.

The New York Times

The judgment declared that convictions can only be set aside by seeking exceptional leave to appeal to the court of appeal out of time but that to do so requires "substantial injustice" to be demonstrated not "simply because the law applied has now been declared to have been mistaken".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be set aside" to indicate that something is temporarily not being considered or is being disregarded for a specific purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "can be set aside" when you mean something is permanently dismissed or irrelevant; the phrase implies a possibility of revisiting the issue later. Consider using "eliminated" or "discarded" for permanent removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be set aside" functions as a modal verb construction expressing possibility coupled with a passive voice construction. It indicates that something is permissible or possible to disregard, suspend, or postpone for the time being. Ludwig's examples show its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be set aside" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is permissible to disregard or postpone temporarily. Ludwig AI analysis shows its usage across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. While appropriate for formal and neutral registers, it's important to consider the context to avoid misinterpretations regarding the permanency of the dismissal. Alternatives like "can be disregarded" or "can be dismissed" may be more fitting in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be disregarded

Focuses on ignoring or not considering something.

can be dismissed

Implies something is not worthy of further attention or consideration.

can be overlooked

Highlights the act of unintentionally missing or ignoring something.

can be waived

Indicates a formal or legal right is voluntarily relinquished.

can be ignored

Suggests a deliberate choice to pay no attention to something.

can be dispensed with

Implies something is unnecessary or not required.

can be cancelled

Indicates something is terminated or revoked.

can be annulled

Focuses on invalidating or nullifying something, often legally.

can be revoked

Implies a formal withdrawal or cancellation of something.

can be superseded

Suggests being replaced by something superior or more current.

FAQs

How can I use "can be set aside" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be set aside" is used to indicate that something is being temporarily disregarded or not considered for the time being. For example, "In this discussion, certain assumptions "can be set aside" to focus on the main argument."

What can I say instead of "can be set aside"?

You can use alternatives like "can be disregarded", "can be dismissed", or "can be overlooked" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "can be set aside" and "can be ignored"?

"Can be set aside" suggests a temporary dismissal, with the possibility of revisiting the matter later. "Can be ignored" implies a more deliberate and potentially permanent decision not to pay attention to something.

Is it appropriate to use "can be set aside" in formal writing?

Yes, "can be set aside" is appropriate for formal writing, as evidenced by its usage in news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedias. However, always consider the specific context and choose the most precise wording to ensure clarity.