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Phrasal verbs "set aside" vs "set off"

Differences between set aside and set off

Set aside means to reserve or save something for a specific purpose or time, while set off means to start a journey or to cause something to start.

Meanings and Definitions: set aside vs set off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Set aside

  • 1Overturn a court verdict or decision.

    The Appeal Court SET ASIDE the guilty verdict because the evidence was unsatisfactory and declared her not guilty.

Set off

  • 1Explode a bomb.

    Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city centre last night. Fortunately, no - one was hurt or killed.

  • 2Ring an alarm.

    The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

  • 3Start a journey.

    We SET OFF for work at seven - thirty.

  • 4Counterbalance a debt.

    The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at home.

  • 5Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

    The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

  • 6Cause, trigger events.

    The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

Usage Examples: set aside, set off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

set aside

Example

The judge decided to set aside the previous ruling.

Example

She sets aside the decision and orders a new trial.

set off

Example

We set off for our vacation early in the morning.

Example

She sets off for work at 7:30 every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set aside

save for later

To keep something for future use or reference.

Example

She decided to save some money for later instead of spending it all at once.

put away

To store something in a designated place or container.

Example

After finishing the dishes, she put away the plates and glasses in the cupboard.

reserve

To keep something for a specific person or purpose.

Example

He reserved a table at the restaurant for his wife's birthday dinner.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set off

start out

To begin a journey or activity.

Example

They started out early in the morning to hike the mountain trail.

kick off

To begin or start something, usually an event or a project.

Example

The company kicked off the new product launch with a press conference.

trigger

To cause something to start or happen.

Example

The loud noise triggered the car alarm and woke up the whole neighborhood.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in set aside vs set off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: set aside or set off?

In daily conversation, people use set aside more often than set off. This is because set aside is used for more common tasks such as saving money or time. Set off is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a journey or an event. So, while both phrases are used, set aside is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of set aside and set off

Set aside and set off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of set aside and set off

The tone of set aside and set off can differ based on context. Set aside often carries a practical or organized tone when related to saving or reserving something, while set off typically has an adventurous or exciting tone, especially when referring to starting a journey or event.

set aside & set off: Synonyms and Antonyms

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