Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Set Aside'

📖 Definition

To reserve or save something for a specific purpose, or to disregard or temporarily stop considering certain emotions, issues, or tasks.

Examples in context

He set aside his personal goals to help the community thrive.
The government set aside land for wildlife conservation.
Setting aside old grudges, they decided to collaborate on the project.

📖 Definition

To reserve or save something for a specific purpose, or to disregard or temporarily stop considering certain emotions, issues, or tasks.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'set' and 'aside'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts for reserving or disregarding.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set aside	They set aside funds for emergencies.
Past Simple	set aside	She set aside her fears to focus on success.
Present Continuous	setting aside	He is setting aside time to study.
Present Perfect	have set aside	We have set aside the differences for now.

💡 When to Use

Saving for future

Use when referring to reserving money or resources for a specific purpose or future use.

Example: "They set aside a portion of their income every month."

Ignoring temporarily

Use when deciding to temporarily ignore or not address a problem or emotion.

Example: "She set aside her doubts to focus on her goals."

Prioritizing tasks

Use when rearranging or dismissing tasks to focus on more important ones.

Example: "He set aside less urgent tasks to finish the report."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: She set her fears aside for focus.

✅ Correct: She set aside her fears for focus.

💡 Tip: Place the object directly after 'set aside'.

Confusing with 'put aside'

❌ Wrong: They put aside funds for the trip.

✅ Correct: They set aside funds for the trip.

💡 Tip: Use 'set aside' for formal contexts.

Omitting object

❌ Wrong: He set aside to read later.

✅ Correct: He set aside the book to read later.

💡 Tip: Always include an object with 'set aside'.

Practice

SET ASIDE - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

He set aside his personal goals to help the community thrive.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The government set aside land for wildlife conservation.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Setting aside old grudges, they decided to collaborate on the project.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

reserve allocate

Antonyms

use

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She decided to ___ her differences and work collaboratively."

take aside

set aside

put on

use up

"To find peace, one must set aside past grievances, allowing the heart room to embrace forgiveness and new beginnings."

In Context

In 1776, as America was on the brink of revolution, General George Washington faced the monumental task of uniting the colonies against British rule. Amidst the chaos, the Continental Congress was fraught with arguments over military strategy, funding, and leadership. To lead effectively, Washington had to set aside his personal ambitions and grievances, fostering unity by prioritizing the greater cause of independence. For instance, when disagreements with his advisors threatened to fracture allegiances, Washington set aside differences to focus on strategy, understanding the necessity of collaboration over conflict. Despite enormous challenges, his ability to set aside petty disputes ensured the Continental Army remained steadfast. Washington's leadership did not merely lie in his military prowess but in his diplomatic skill to focus on the pressing goal of freedom, setting aside personal gains for collective victory. His actions culminated in the successful siege of Yorktown in 1781, a pivotal moment leading to American independence. Thus, Washington's legacy endures, epitomizing how setting aside short-term conflicts in favor of long-term peace can alter the course of history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Aside

What is the origin of set aside?

The phrase 'set aside' originates from Old English, combining 'settan' meaning to place or put, and 'asid', implying separation.

Can set aside be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set aside' is neutral in register and can be used in both formal settings, like business meetings, and informal interactions.

What is the difference between set aside and reserve?

'Set aside' implies both reserving and temporarily ignoring, while 'reserve' mainly involves saving resources or having something for future use.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

SET ASIDE - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Aside

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega