keep it aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep it aside" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
It means to set something aside, not to use or deal with it right away, but to keep it available to use later. For example: "John set aside some time to work on the report, but he decided to keep it aside and work on a different project first."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

With a champagne finish, the stoking set is functional, but so pretty you'll want to keep it aside any fireplace, even if it is powered by a remote control.

Forbes

"At the moment he's got the shirt and it's his chance to keep it". Aside from Exeter's 6-3 loss at Premier League Sunderland in the second round of the League Cup, the Grecians have kept three clean sheets and conceded just six goals when Tillson has featured.

BBC

"Let's find out the value of this experience and let's have this identity that includes this part of me, don't keep it aside.

Vice

Rob Kall: Yet, even these non-profits operate in many ways like for-profits, or they have for-profit elements or components or ways to make money and keep it aside.

Huffington Post

Keep it aside.

WikiHow

When it is warm, keep it aside.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Take the non-working bios chip out of its motherboard and set it aside to keep it safe.

WikiHow

I blanched the broccoli rabe in a big pot of boiling salted water, cooled it in an ice bath to keep it bright and set it aside until I was ready to saute it.

Los Angeles Times

Place it upside down when you are setting it aside to keep it from being damaged.

WikiHow

When this is done, put aside and keep it in a warm place.

Forbes

Winning "Keep It Simple Stupid" product strategy aside, it's really hard not to root for the YC-backed Posterous; Their recent skuffle with Twitpic solidified them as champions of user portability which is always a crowd pleaser.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "keep it aside" to clearly indicate that an item or ingredient should not be used immediately but reserved for a later step.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it aside" if you intend for the item to be discarded later; the phrase implies preservation for future use, not disposal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it aside" primarily functions as a directive or instruction. It advises the listener or reader to set something apart for later use. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples illustrating the phrase in instructional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it aside" is a common phrase primarily used for instructional purposes, directing someone to set something apart for later use. Ludwig AI identifies its function as a directive, frequently found in informal contexts such as WikiHow and occasionally in news media. When writing, remember that this phrase implies that the item will be used later, and consider more formal alternatives like "reserve it for later" in professional settings. Avoiding its use when the intention is disposal is also key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay it aside

Similar to "keep it aside" but might imply a more temporary action.

set it apart

Emphasizes separation more strongly than "keep it aside".

reserve it for later

Explicitly states the intention of using the item at a future time.

hold it back

Implies a temporary withholding, often in a more controlled or strategic manner.

put it away

Suggests storing something out of sight or reach.

keep it in reserve

Highlights the aspect of maintaining a supply or resource for future needs.

set it by

An older, less common synonym for setting something aside.

defer its use

More formal and specific to delaying the utilization of something.

shelve it temporarily

Indicates a postponement of consideration or action.

stash it

Informal term suggesting secrecy or concealment.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it aside" in a recipe?

In recipes, "keep it aside" typically means to prepare an ingredient and then set it aside for later use in the recipe. For example, "Chop the onions and "keep them aside" until needed."

What's a more formal alternative to "keep it aside"?

More formal alternatives include "reserve it for later", "set it apart", or "defer its use", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "keep aside it" instead of "keep it aside"?

No, the correct phrasing is "keep it aside". The pronoun "it" should come between "keep" and "aside".

What's the difference between "keep it aside" and "set it aside"?

"Keep it aside" and "set it aside" are largely interchangeable. However, "set it aside" might imply a more deliberate or forceful action of separation.