English Reference

Phrasal verb

set aside

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

set aside

Past

set aside

Past participle

set aside

Definition

phrasal verb. To save something like time or money for a special purpose. You can also use it when you ignore a feeling or a disagreement to get a job done.

phrasal verb. To reserve a resource for a specific future use; also, to disregard or dismiss a thought, feeling, or legal decision. Transitive and optionally separable.

Examples

“I set aside some money every month for my holiday.”

“We need to set aside our differences if we want this business to succeed.”

“The judge decided to set aside the previous ruling after new evidence suggested that the witness had been coerced into giving a false statement.”

Examples

simple

“I set aside some money every month for my holiday.”

contextual

“We need to set aside our differences if we want this business to succeed.”

complex

“The judge decided to set aside the previous ruling after new evidence suggested that the witness had been coerced into giving a false statement.”

Usage

This verb is often used with 'time' or 'money' as the object.

Teaching tip

Use this to teach the concept of 'separability', as both 'set aside the money' and 'set the money aside' are correct.

Pitfall

I set aside of some money for the trip.

I set aside some money for the trip.

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

aside

Separability

optional

Pattern

set + aside + object

Synonyms

savereserveput bydisregard

Antonyms

spendwasteinclude

Word family

ADVERB

PHRASAL VERB

set aside(B2)

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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