setting it aside

USAGE SUMMARY

No, the phrase "setting it aside" is not a complete sentence, but it can be used in written English as part of a longer sentence.
It is typically used to refer to putting something aside or temporarily ignoring it. Here is an example: I know we have our differences, but let's set that aside for now and focus on finding a solution to this problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In my view it's the English accent with the strongest vocabulary all its own, setting it aside from other urban (or rural) English accents, not least in its continuing vitality.

The Guardian - Music

About a decade after sparking up its fondly recalled Focus SVT — then inexplicably setting it aside — Ford has rediscovered the smoky pleasure of a hot hatchback.

The New York Times

Take the squash out of the oven and remove the garlic, setting it aside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was not clear whether he was rejecting the argument or simply setting it aside.

The New York Times

But I spent years simply working on one scene, and running aground, and eventually setting it aside.

The New Yorker

Reviewers sitting around a desk could tell whether a colleague was turning toward or away from a report; whether she was flicking through it or setting it aside.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Note its placement and set it aside to dry.

WikiHow

We'll set it aside).

The New York Times

Remove 1/2 cup and set it aside.

The New York Times - Food

And yet set it aside they did.

The New Yorker

"I just got to set it aside".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting it aside" to indicate a temporary pause or deferral, suggesting the item or issue might be revisited later. Ensure the context clearly implies this temporary nature.

Common error

Avoid using "setting it aside" when you intend to convey permanent abandonment or rejection. The phrase implies a temporary pause, not a final dismissal. Use stronger terms like "discarding" or "rejecting" for permanent actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting it aside" functions primarily as part of a verb phrase, often within a continuous tense (e.g., 'is setting it aside') or as a gerund phrase. It modifies the action, indicating a temporary removal or postponement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Food

8%

Less common in

Law

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting it aside" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a temporary pause or deferral. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is generally neutral in tone and applicable across various contexts, including news and media, cooking, and general instructions. It is important to ensure the context indicates its temporary nature and to avoid confusing it with permanent abandonment. While sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently use the phrase, alternative phrases like "putting it to one side" or "reserving it" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting it to one side

Emphasizes physical placement or temporary shelving of an item or issue.

laying it aside

Similar to 'putting it to one side', suggesting a temporary pause.

reserving it

Focuses on keeping something available for future use or consideration.

shelving it

Suggests a more indefinite postponement, possibly with a lower priority for return.

postponing it

Directly indicates delaying something to a later time.

deferring it

Formal way to express postponement, often in official or business contexts.

earmarking it

Similar to allocating, suggesting funds or resources designated for a particular use.

holding it back

Implies withholding something, possibly for strategic reasons.

allocating it

Focuses on setting something aside for a specific purpose.

distinguishing it

Highlights the act of differentiating something from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "setting it aside" to indicate a temporary pause or deferral of something. For instance, "We are "setting it aside" for the moment to focus on more pressing issues."

What are some alternatives to "setting it aside"?

Alternatives include "putting it to one side", "reserving it", or "laying it aside". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "setting it aside" formal or informal?

"Setting it aside" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "deferring it" may be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "setting it aside" and "discarding it"?

"Setting it aside" implies a temporary pause or deferral, suggesting that the item or issue might be revisited later. "Discarding it", on the other hand, indicates a permanent rejection or abandonment.