Throw sth aside Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Throw sth aside” Mean?

“Throw sth aside” means to discard or reject something, either physically or mentally, often quickly or without much thought.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “throw sth aside” is commonly used in everyday English. It can refer to physically throwing something away, like trash or old items. It can also mean to stop considering an idea, feeling, or plan. Understanding the throw sth aside meaning helps you express the action of discarding or ignoring something in a natural way. This phrase is useful in many situations, from casual conversations to formal discussions. Learning how to use it correctly can improve your fluency and make your English sound more natural.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: throw sth aside (throw something aside)
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B1 (Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To discard or reject something physically or mentally

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Throw sth aside” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between “throw” and “aside” or after “aside.”

• Throw + object + aside
  Example: She threw her old clothes aside.
• Throw aside + object
  Example: He threw aside his doubts.

Note: When using a pronoun as the object, it must be placed between the verb and “aside.”
Example: Throw it aside, not throw aside it.

How to Use Throw sth aside?

You can use “throw sth aside” to talk about getting rid of physical items or abandoning ideas and feelings. It often implies a quick or decisive action. For example, you might throw aside a book you no longer want to read or throw aside worries to focus on a task.

This phrasal verb works well in both formal and informal contexts. It adds emotion or emphasis when describing rejection or dismissal.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “throw sth aside in a sentence”:

• After the meeting, she threw aside her notes and relaxed.
• He threw aside his fears and gave the speech confidently.
• Don’t throw aside your dreams too quickly.
• They threw aside the old furniture to make space for new ones.
• Sometimes, you need to throw aside distractions to focus better.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the position of the object with phrasal verbs. For example, they might say:

• Incorrect: Throw aside it.
• Correct: Throw it aside.

Remember, when the object is a pronoun, place it between “throw” and “aside.”

Differences / Synonyms

“Throw sth aside” is similar to “throw away” and “discard.” However, “throw away” usually means physically getting rid of something, while “throw aside” can also mean mentally rejecting an idea or feeling.

For example:

• Throw away the trash (physical disposal)
• Throw aside your worries (mental rejection)

Another synonym is “set aside,” but this usually means to save or reserve something, so it has a different meaning.

Common Collocations

Here are common objects you can use with “throw sth aside” and their meanings:

• Throw aside doubts: stop worrying
• Throw aside fears: overcome fear
• Throw aside books: physically discard books
• Throw aside plans: cancel or reject plans
• Throw aside advice: ignore suggestions

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of throw sth aside:

• Throw Sth Off
• Throw Sth On Sth
• Throw Sb Off The Scent
• Throw Yourself Into Doing Sth
• Throw Yourself In

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “throw sth aside”:

Anna: I’m worried about the exam tomorrow.

Ben: Don’t stress. Just throw aside your fears and focus on what you know.

Anna: You’re right. I’ll try to do that.

Practice

Try to complete the sentence with the correct form of “throw sth aside”:

• She decided to ________ her old shoes because they were worn out.
• It’s time to ________ your doubts and try something new.
• He didn’t want to ________ the advice he got from his teacher.

FAQ

• What does “throw sth aside” mean?
  It means to discard or reject something physically or mentally.
• Is “throw sth aside” separable?
  Yes, you can separate the object from the verb and particle.
• Can I use “throw aside” for feelings?
  Yes, it’s often used to describe ignoring or rejecting feelings or thoughts.
• Is “throw sth aside” informal?
  It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• What is a common mistake with this phrasal verb?
  Placing pronouns after “aside” instead of between “throw” and “aside.”