# set aside

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/set-aside
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I set aside of some money for the trip." but "I set aside some money for the trip." — The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.