set aside — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

set aside

save for a particular purpose ignore or not consider annul legally

Meaning 1 · most common

save for a particular purpose

set aside sth

to keep something, usually money or time, for a special reason or future use.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I try to set aside a little money each month for emergencies.

A: Are you coming to the party on Friday?
B: I can't, I’ve set aside that evening to study for my exam.

Common mistake

Not: I set aside money ~~for~~ buy a house.

Say: I set aside money to buy a house.

'To buy' (purpose), not 'for buy'.

More on “save for a particular purpose”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it’s important for families to set aside time to spend together, even when everyone is busy.

Tell it apart

I set aside money for a holiday.

save it

I spent money on a holiday.

used it up

Goes with

set aside + money/time

Practice saying this

Next meaning: ignore or not consider

Meaning 2

ignore or not consider

set aside sth

to decide not to think about or deal with something, often temporarily.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Let’s set aside our differences and work together on this project.

A: I’m still upset about what happened.
B: I understand, but maybe we should set that aside for now and focus on the task.

Common mistake

Not: Let's set aside ~~with~~ our differences.

Say: Let's set aside our differences.

'Set aside' takes the object directly — no 'with'.

More on “ignore or not consider”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During group discussions, it’s helpful to set aside personal opinions to listen to others’ ideas.

Tell it apart

Let's set aside the cost for now.

ignore it temporarily

Let's set aside some money for it.

save it for later

Goes with

set aside + concern

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Next meaning: annul legally

Meaning 3

annul legally

set aside sth sth
formal

to officially cancel or annul a legal decision, judgment, or order so that it is no longer valid.

How oftenRare

LevelC2

Used inMostly written

Examples

The court set aside the previous ruling due to new evidence.

A: Did you hear the verdict was set aside?
B: Yes, apparently the judge found a procedural error.

Common mistake

Not: The judge set ~~away~~ the conviction.

Say: The judge set aside the conviction.

The legal phrase is 'set aside' (annul), not 'set away'.

More on “annul legally”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In some cases, a conviction may be set aside if it is proven that the defendant did not receive a fair trial.

Tell it apart

The court set aside the verdict.

legally cancelled it

The court upheld the verdict.

confirmed it stands

Goes with

set aside + ruling

Practice saying this

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save for a particular purpose ignore or not consider annul legally