cast aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast aside" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is generally used as a metaphor meaning to disregard or ignore. Example Sentence: She cast aside her doubts and decided to take the job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All that can be cast aside.

The New York Times - Tech

So the cast was cast aside.

The New York Times - Sports

Will he be cast aside?

The New Yorker

Should Muslims cast aside hijabs and beards?

The Times

Standard party loyalties were cast aside.

The New Yorker

The wooden puzzles were immediately cast aside.

The Guardian - Opinion

This place has been sacrificed, cast aside.

The Guardian

Instead, they're just being cast aside".

The New York Times

It should not be lightly cast aside.(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

But on Wednesday, the old worries were cast aside.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Burmese pythons -- people's cast-aside pets -- slither through the Everglades.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cast aside", consider the tone you want to convey. It can suggest a sense of finality or even harshness, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

While "cast aside" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in excessively formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "rejected", "disregarded", or "dismissed" might be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cast aside" is that of a phrasal verb. It consists of the verb "cast" combined with the particle "aside", together forming a unit with a distinct meaning. Ludwig confirms its usage as a transitive verb, requiring an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast aside" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the act of rejecting, discarding, or abandoning something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, media, academic writing, and encyclopedias. While it carries a slightly stronger connotation than simpler alternatives like "discard", it is suitable for various contexts. However, be mindful of its potential for conveying finality or harshness. For more formal settings, consider synonyms like "rejected" or "dismissed". Ultimately, "cast aside" remains a versatile phrase for expressing deliberate acts of rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discard

Focuses on the act of throwing something away because it's no longer useful or wanted.

reject

Emphasizes the refusal to accept or consider something.

abandon

Highlights the act of leaving something or someone behind, often permanently.

disregard

Indicates a lack of attention or respect for something.

throw away

A more literal synonym, focusing on the physical act of discarding.

get rid of

A more informal synonym for eliminating or disposing of something.

set aside

Implies temporarily ignoring something, rather than completely rejecting it.

turn down

Specifically refers to rejecting an offer or proposal.

brush off

Suggests dismissing something casually or without serious consideration.

forsake

Implies a more formal or solemn act of abandonment.

FAQs

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

You can use "cast aside" to describe the act of rejecting, discarding, or abandoning something. For example: "She cast aside her doubts and took the job", or "The old rules were "set aside" in favor of new ones".

What's a less formal way to say "cast aside"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "throw away", "get rid of", or simply "discard". These options are more suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.

Is "cast aside" the same as "set aside"?

No, "cast aside" and ""set aside"" have different meanings. "Cast aside" implies a permanent rejection or abandonment, while ""set aside"" suggests temporarily putting something aside for later consideration or use.

What are some stronger synonyms for "cast aside"?

For a stronger emphasis on rejection or abandonment, you could use words like "reject", "abandon", or "forsake". These words carry a heavier emotional weight and imply a more significant act of separation.