Aside vs Away

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Aside

Top 2,000 (common) B2 adverb

Away

High-frequency chunk A1 adverb

Most common: Away

	Aside	Away
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/əˈsaɪd/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/əˈsaɪd/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/əˈweɪ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/əˈweɪ/"]/
Meaning	To one side; not part of the main action.	Not here; at a distance.
Example	She pulled the curtain aside.	She waved goodbye and walked away.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	High-frequency chunk
CEFR level	B2	A1
Part of speech	adverb	adverb
Collocations	put aside, set aside, step aside	go away, far away, take away, give away
Antonyms	together, inclusion	here, close
Common mistakes	Confused with 'beside' which relates to location., In the wrong context, leading to unclear meaning., Using it as a noun instead of an adverb.	Confused with 'a way' — remember they're different., Used in wrong contexts, like inappropriate phrases or idioms.
Usage notes	Use 'aside' when you want to indicate that something is not included in the main conversation or action. It's often used in storytelling or speeches.	Used to describe distance or absence. Can indicate physical space or emotional separation. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English.

See it in real clips

But, that aside

The Pitt › S1 E1

or you can step aside.

- Step aside, Butch.

But, that aside

The Pitt › S1 E1

or you can step aside.

Aside

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

These guys are packing it away.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

So it couldn't have come from very far away.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

And you, Hastings, do not you run away with such celerity.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

These guys are packing it away.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

So it couldn't have come from very far away.

Away

Frequently asked questions: Aside vs Away

What's the difference between Aside and Away?

Aside: To one side; not part of the main action. Away: Not here; at a distance.

Which is more common: Aside and Away?

Away is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Aside and Away?

Aside is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Aside and Away the same CEFR level?

Aside: B2, Away: A1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Aside and Away?

Aside: adverb, Away: adverb.

Can you show an example of each?

Aside: She pulled the curtain aside. Away: She waved goodbye and walked away.

Can I use Aside and Away interchangeably?

Not always. Aside and Away are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.