What are the definitions of “step aside”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a job or position so that someone else can take over.
Everyone thinks that the prime minister should STEP ASIDE so that someone new can lead the party into the election.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “step aside”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb step aside is to leave a job or position so that someone else can take over. It is often used when someone in a leadership role is asked to make way for a new person to lead.
What are the different verb forms of “step aside”?
| Root Verb | step aside |
| Third Person Singular Present | steps aside |
| Present Participle | stepping aside |
| Simple Past | stepped aside |
| Past Participle | stepped aside |
Example
The manager decided to step aside and let his assistant take over the project.
Example
She steps aside gracefully when it's time for a new leader to take charge.
Example
He is stepping aside to allow a younger colleague to take the lead.
Example
The CEO stepped aside after the company's poor performance last year.
Example
The director had stepped aside to make way for new talent.
What kind of phrasal verb is “step 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.)
Intransitive verb
“step aside” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The coach stepped aside after the team's losing streak.
Example
She stepped aside to let the new manager take over.
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
“step 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
The coach stepped aside after the team's losing streak.
Example
She stepped aside to let the new manager take over.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “step aside”?
Good things to know
Does “step aside” have an informal or formal tone?
Step aside is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business or political discussions.
