setting aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"setting aside" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is no longer relevant to the context of a situation. For example, "Setting aside all their differences, they were able to come together and reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We recommend setting aside a separate fund".

The New York Times

Setting aside politics, why not power too?

The Economist

Setting aside the technological issues, the biggest issue is trust.

The New Yorker

Instead, it was already setting aside eggs and sperm.

The New York Times - Science

Because we're setting aside a group of people special".

Independent

Setting aside more money earlier makes more sense.

The Economist

Repeat with remaining dough, setting aside the circles.

The New York Times

Being sensible, and setting aside money for a pension?

The Guardian - Opinion

Peel, seed and dice the tomatoes, setting aside 1 cup.

The New York Times - Magazine

Setting aside the park's 4,000 acres was a start.

The New York Times

Setting aside October, the job figures have been dismal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting aside" to allocate funds or resources for a specific purpose. It can clearly indicate the intent and avoid ambiguity in financial contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "setting aside" when the intention is to completely disregard something permanently. "Setting aside" often implies a temporary removal or consideration for future use, while "ignoring" suggests a permanent dismissal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "setting aside" is that of a present participle acting as a verb phrase, often used to introduce a condition or action that is being temporarily disregarded or reserved. As Ludwig AI says, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting aside" functions as a versatile verb phrase suitable for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary purpose involves temporarily disregarding something or reserving it for a specific use. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and Wiki-based content. When using "setting aside", ensure clarity in transitions and avoid mistaking it for a complete replacement for "ignoring". Consider alternative phrases such as "disregarding" or "allocating" to enhance precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting aside

Similar meaning, emphasizing temporary removal or postponement.

laying aside

Similar to "putting aside", but slightly more formal.

disregarding

Focuses on ignoring or not considering something.

reserving

Emphasizes keeping something available for a specific purpose.

excluding

Emphasizes the act of leaving something out or not including it.

earmarking

Specifically designating something for a certain purpose.

allocating

Highlights dedicating resources for a particular use.

discounting

Focuses on reducing the importance or value of something.

dedicating

Implies committing something entirely to a specific purpose.

shelving

Suggests postponing or abandoning something indefinitely.

FAQs

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

You can use "setting aside" to mean disregarding something for the moment, as in, "Setting aside our differences, we can agree on this." It can also mean reserving something for a specific purpose, such as, "We are setting aside funds for the new project."

What's the difference between "putting aside" and "setting aside"?

While both phrases are very similar, "setting aside" might imply a more formal or deliberate action, whereas "putting aside" can be slightly more casual. The interchangeability largely depends on context.

What are some alternatives to "setting aside"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disregarding", "allocating", or "reserving". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "setting aside" formal or informal?

The phrase "setting aside" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversation, making it a versatile expression.