set aside

keep something for a particular purpose later

B2

What does "set sth aside" mean?

To set something aside means to deliberately save or reserve it so that it is available for a specific purpose later. It implies a conscious, planned decision — you are not just saving something by accident, but making sure it is kept for a particular goal. This phrasal verb appears frequently in financial and planning contexts, such as setting aside money for an emergency fund or setting aside time for a project. It works equally well in everyday conversation and more formal writing, making it a very versatile and useful phrase. The object is nearly always followed by a 'for' phrase that explains the intended purpose, which is what gives the phrase its sense of deliberate reservation.

Examples

How to use it

set + object + aside + for + purpose

This is the most common pattern, where the object is placed between 'set' and 'aside' and a 'for' phrase explains the purpose.

He sets a fixed amount aside each month for his retirement fund.

set aside + object + for + purpose

When the object is longer or more complex, it can follow 'aside' rather than being placed between the verb and particle.

The company set aside a significant portion of its annual budget for staff development.

set + pronoun + aside

When the object is a pronoun, it must always go between 'set' and 'aside' — it cannot come after 'aside'.

I've already found the money — I set it aside weeks ago.

object + be set aside + for + purpose

The passive form is natural, especially in formal or written contexts such as planning documents or financial reports.

Several meeting rooms have been set aside for the visiting delegates.

set aside + time/money/space

Used in imperative sentences or advice-giving contexts, often without a specific purpose phrase when the goal is implied.

Try to set aside at least half an hour each evening for revision.

Common Collocations

set aside timeset aside moneyset aside fundsset aside a budgetset aside spaceset aside resources

Common Mistakes

Pronoun placement

When the object is a pronoun such as 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'set' and 'aside'. Placing a pronoun after 'aside' is ungrammatical in English.

✗ I set aside it for the trip.
✓ I set it aside for the trip.
Confusing the two senses of 'set aside'

This phrasal verb also has a separate meaning — to disregard or ignore something, especially an abstract idea. When you mean 'save or reserve', always use a concrete object (time, money, space) and include a purpose phrase with 'for'. If there is no 'for' phrase and the object is abstract (like 'concerns' or 'differences'), the sentence has a different meaning.

✗ Let's set aside a room — I mean, ignore the issue for now.
✓ Let's set a room aside for the workshop. / Setting aside the cost, is it a good plan?
Omitting the object

'Set aside' always needs an object in this sense — it cannot be used without one. Unlike some phrasal verbs, there is no natural intransitive form here.

✗ I always try to set aside at the end of the month.
✓ I always try to set some money aside at the end of the month.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral in register and works in both formal writing and everyday conversation. It is especially common in financial and planning contexts and frequently appears with a purpose phrase: 'set aside money for emergencies'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'set aside' always need a 'for' phrase to explain the purpose?

Not always, but a 'for' phrase is very common and helps make the meaning clear. If the purpose is already obvious from context, you can leave it out — for example, 'Have you set the money aside?' is fine if the purpose has already been mentioned. In new or standalone sentences, including 'for + purpose' makes your meaning much clearer.

What kinds of things can you 'set aside' in this sense?

The most typical objects are time, money, funds, space, and resources — things that can be reserved or saved for a future purpose. You can also set aside a room, an area, a budget, or a specific amount. If the object is something abstract like 'feelings' or 'differences' with no purpose phrase, the sentence likely has the different meaning of 'disregarding' something.

Can 'set aside' be used in formal writing, such as reports or business emails?

Yes, 'set aside' is perfectly appropriate in formal and professional writing. It is especially common in financial reports, planning documents, and business proposals. The passive form — 'funds have been set aside for...' — is particularly frequent in written professional contexts.

Is 'set aside' the same as 'put aside'?

They are very close in meaning and often interchangeable when talking about saving or reserving something. 'Set aside' tends to sound slightly more deliberate and formal, while 'put aside' is a little more casual and can also refer to physically moving an object out of your way. In most everyday planning or financial contexts, either works perfectly well.

I've seen 'set aside' used in legal contexts — is that a different meaning?

Yes, in legal English 'set aside' has a specific meaning: to cancel or overturn an official decision or ruling. This is a completely separate sense from saving or reserving something and is used in a very specific professional context. If you're not reading or writing legal documents, you're unlikely to encounter it.

Ready to practise?

Practise 1,000+ English phrasal verbs with interactive gap-fill exercises.

Start Practising →