What does the phrasal verb “set aside” mean?

What are the definitions of “set aside”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Overturn a court verdict or decision.

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

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “set aside”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb set aside is to cancel or reverse a decision, especially in a legal context. For example, it can mean overturning a court verdict or decision.

What are the different verb forms of “set aside”?

Root Verb	set aside
Third Person Singular Present	sets aside
Present Participle	setting aside
Simple Past	set aside
Past Participle	set aside

Example

The judge decided to set aside the previous ruling.

Example

She sets aside the decision and orders a new trial.

Example

The court is setting aside the verdict due to new evidence.

Example

The judge set aside the conviction after reviewing the case.

Example

The decision was set aside by the higher court.

What kind of phrasal verb is “set aside”?

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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

“set 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

The judge set aside the previous ruling.

Example

The court set the verdict aside due to new evidence.

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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

“set 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 judge set aside the previous ruling.

Example

The court set the verdict aside due to new evidence.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “set aside”?

Set aside time

To reserve or allocate a specific amount of time for a particular activity or purpose.

Example

I set aside an hour each day for exercise.

Set aside money

To save or reserve money for a specific purpose or future use.

Example

She sets aside a portion of her salary each month for her retirement fund.

Set aside differences

To temporarily forget or ignore disagreements or conflicts in order to work together or achieve a common goal.

Example

The two political parties set aside their differences to pass the important legislation.

Good things to know

Does “set aside” have an informal or formal tone?

Set aside is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In legal situations, it is considered formal language. However, when used in everyday conversations, such as setting aside time or money, it has a more neutral tone.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “set aside”?

Synonyms

• cancel
• reverse
• overturn
• annul
• revoke
• rescind
• repeal
• abrogate

Antonyms

• uphold
• maintain
• confirm
• approve
• support
• validate
• enforce
• reinforce