Aisle vs. Isle: Learn the Differences (original) (raw)

⚡ Quick summary

The word aisle typically refers to a walkway between sets of rows of seating or to the walkway between two sets of shelves in a store, as in a grocery store. The word isle refers to an island, especially a small island.

The words aisle and isle are pronounced exactly the same and have nearly the same spelling. However, they have completely different meanings.

In this article, we will break down the different meanings of aisle and isle and give a helpful tip to easily remember the difference between the two words.

Is it aisle or isle ?

The noun aisle is typically used to refer to a walkway between sets of rows of seating, especially a long walkway. For example, aisle is used to refer to the walkways between sets of rows of seats in a church, theater, auditorium, or airplane. It’s also used to refer to the space between two sets of shelves in a store through which customers can walk or push shopping carts.

In politics, the word aisle is used to refer to a figurative divide or gulf between two political parties, as in The legislation was supported by Senators from both sides of the aisle.

The noun isle means “island,” especially a small island. Less commonly, isle is used as a verb to mean “to make into an isle” or “to place on or as if on an isle.” Isle is used in both fiction and reality in the names of small islands, such as the Isle of Man.

Although they have different meanings, both aisle and isle are pronounced the same way. To remember the difference, remember that isle begins the same way as island.