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Meaning trap

set aside

save for a particular purpose

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

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

save for a particular purpose

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

set aside (ignore or not consider)

Another meaning of 'set aside' is 'ignore or not consider'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I try to set aside a little money each month for emergencies.money
  • In my opinion, it’s important for families to set aside time to spend together, even when everyone is busy.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: set aside [object]

WrongI set aside money for buy a house.

RightI set aside money to buy a house.

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

Patternset aside [object]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I allocate a portion of my income for future contingencies.

Natural I set aside a bit of money each month.

Natural; 'allocate a portion of income for contingencies' is financial-planner language.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • set aside + money/time
    moneysome timesavingseach month

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'put away' (to tidy up or store something) and 'save up' (to collect money over time).

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