Aside

adverbs of direction and movement adverbs of time aside postpositions

'Aside' is another important word we must remember. In this lesson, we are gonna learn all there is about it.

'Aside' mainly functions as both a noun, an adverb, and a postposition. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Aside'

'Aside' as an Adverb

As mentioned above, 'aside' can function as an adverb. Below, we are going to learn all about the different kinds of adverbs it can be:

'Aside' as an Adverb of Movement and Direction

'Aside' can be an adverb of adverb of movement and direction. It is used to indicate moving away from someone or something. Let us take a look at the following examples:

Madam, would you please stand aside?

Step aside so the guests can come in, Harry.

'Aside' as an Adverb of Time

We can also use 'aside' as an adverb of time to indicate doing something at a later time. Take a look at the following examples:

The family decided to set aside watching TV and went out.

The manager thought it best to set aside the argument and let his mind rest a bit.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'aside' is an adverb here, it mainly comes after adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs to modify them. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Madam Hooch demanded everyone step aside so she could help Neville.

Move aside, would you?

'Aside' as a Noun

Use

As stated above, 'aside' can also be a noun. Below, we are going to learn about all its diverse meanings as a noun:

When a character in a play says something to the audience and the others characters are not supposed to hear it, it is called an 'aside':

Asides were prevalent in Elizabethan dramas.

Interestingly, other actors must pretend they didn't hear when she is saying the aside.

When we want to say something in a low voice so that nobody hears what we are saying, it is called an 'aside':

She has heard her grandmother make asides several times before.

I can still hear you muttering an aside, Nanny.

When something is not really related to the topic being discussed:

Maria's question is thought provoking but it's an aside.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'aside' is a noun here, it can function as the subject, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition. Below, we have provided some examples for you:

Asides were commonly use in the seventeenth century drama.

Here, 'aside' is the subject.

Just because you're angry doesn't mean you can make an aside.

'Aside' as a Postposition

Use

As you know, a postposition in a word shows the relation of a word (it can be a noun, a pronoun, etc.) to another one. So, it has an object. Its main difference from a preposition is that a preposition precedes the noun or noun phrase whereas a postposition comes after the object. When we want to show an exception, we use 'aside' as a postposition. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Working full time aside, I think I'm having fun.

Tolerating their families' outdated beliefs aside, Iranian teenagers have a hard time reaching their goals.