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Grammar fix

put aside

save for a purpose

to save something, especially money or time, so you can use it later for a particular reason.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I try to put aside a little money each month for unexpected expenses.money
  • In my opinion, it's important to put aside time every week for exercise, even if you have a busy schedule.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: put aside + noun

WrongI put aside some money for the rainy day.

RightI put some money aside for a rainy day.

The idiom is 'for a rainy day' (no 'the'); the object often goes in the middle.

Patternput aside + noun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I allocate a portion of my salary for future expenditure each month.

Natural I put a bit aside each month.

'Put aside' is the everyday phrase for saving; the formal version is accountant-speak.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • put aside + money/time
    some moneya bit each monthsavingstime

Don't confuse it

'Put aside' focuses on saving for a purpose, while 'put away' usually means to tidy up or store something.

Try it in Daily Speak →