What are the definitions of “lay aside”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To save or put aside for future use.
For years my mother laid aside a small amount from every pay cheque.
- 2To put something aside or set it aside for later use or consideration.
The text simply means that he laid aside, or put off, those divine aspects that would have kept him from becoming a man.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lay aside”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lay aside is to save or put something aside for future use. It can be used to talk about saving money, storing items, or setting aside time for a specific purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “lay aside”?
| Root Verb | lay aside |
| Third Person Singular Present | lays aside |
| Present Participle | laying aside |
| Simple Past | laid aside |
| Past Participle | laid aside |
Example
I always lay aside some money for emergencies.
Example
She lays aside a portion of her salary for her children's education.
Example
He is laying aside some clothes for the charity drive.
Example
They laid aside their differences and worked together.
Example
The old books had been laid aside in the attic for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lay aside”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lay aside” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She laid aside some money for her vacation.
Example
He laid their argument aside and focused on the task at hand.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lay aside” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She laid aside some money for her vacation.
Example
He laid their argument aside and focused on the task at hand.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lay aside”?
Good things to know
Does “lay aside” have an informal or formal tone?
Lay aside is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
