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Aisle vs. Isle? How are These Similar or Different?

Aisle vs. Isle? How are These Similar or Different?

The English language has more than its fair share of tricky words – concerning their spellings and meanings. However, the seemingly less complicated words could also be challenging to remember, comprehend, or hard not to confuse with a similar-sounding word. The words “aisle” and “isle” are two such terms that create confusions in most people’s minds, including seasoned English writers.

“Aisle” is the path between two shelves or rows, with no enclosure on top. The term “isle”, on the contrary, denotes an “island”, considered a more archaic name for “island”. These words are identical in their pronunciations – pronounced as “I’ll”. Their meanings, however, cannot be more different.

If you still need some clarity or help with understanding the meanings of the two words “aisle” and “isle”, how they get used in different sentences or various writing contexts, how to differentiate the two or not confuse between them in writings, keep reading.

aisle word in dictionary

Aisle – Definition

The noun “aisle” basically denotes a passage or lane between two parallel shelves, seats, etc. An aisle can be found in a supermarket, factory, warehouse, churches, parliaments, courtrooms, library, etc. However, an aisle is not the narrow passage between two rows of seats in a movie theatre, stadium, or auditorium.

An “aisle” is not the same as a “passageway”, however. Though a passageway has two sides to it, like an aisle, it also has an enclosed roof or top that an aisle misses out on. A tunnel or hallway are, for example, passageways and not aisles.

The things flanking an aisle on its sides could vary based on where the aisle is located. For example, an aisle in a supermarket will have products on shelves rather than the seats the aisles in a church have on both sides.

In factories and warehouses, an aisle could have storage pallets to its right and left. In offices, aisles could be separating work areas.

Figurative Meaning/Usage

The word “aisle” can also be used figuratively in sentences or with zero consideration to its literal meaning. Such usage is particularly identified with politics or political texts. It could denote the imaginary line dividing two parties – such as the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

Isle – Definition

An isle is another word for “island”. There is, in fact, no real difference between “isle” and “island”, and the two can be used interchangeably. However, the term “isle” is considered “archaic” by some and may not be as widespread in usage as “island”.

Also, an isle is usually perceived as small compared to an island, or the term could refer to remote islands. Kindly note that the term is “perceived” to be small, which means using the word to refer to large islands is incorrect.

The British “Isles”, after all, is anything but small – as it consists of Great Britain, Ireland, the Hebrides, and the Isle of Man, besides more than 6,000 smaller isles.

The word “isle” is also used to denote an assortment of small islands situated close together. The term “island”, on the flip side, is mostly one large piece of land with water bodies on all its sides. This is perhaps why island nations – such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Seychelles, etc. – are called “islands” and not “isles”.

Long story short, “isle” and “island” are synonymous. But if you’re hellbent on justifying why the two terms exist, the above are a few arguments you could put forward.

Difference Between Aisle and Isle?

The words “aisle” and “isle” are homophones, which means they sound similar when pronounced but have different spellings and meanings. Therefore, homophones, or “aisle” and “isle, ” cannot be interchangeably used in writings. The letter “s” in both the words are silent.

Since “aisle” and “isle” are no replacement words or they do not overlap each other, it’s imperative to know when to use which word in what text. If you’re having issues remembering the spellings, note that “isle” means “island”, which means it must begin with the letter “I”.

The terms “passage” and “hallway”, on the other hand, are similar to “aisle”. The two terms do not have the letter “i” in them, but both have the alphabet “a” in their spellings. Take that as your hint and put an “a” before “isle” when you’re discussing “aisle”.

isle word in dictionary

Using the Word “Aisle” in Texts

The word “aisle” is used in sentences based on the meaning it assumes. If it’s used for its literal meaning, it is invariably used in texts relating to religion, marketing, operations, etc. If the word embraces its political connotation and eschews its actual meaning, it is likely being used in political news articles and op-eds.

The noun “aisle” can also be used in a few expressions, which include:

  • Rolling in the aisles: It means laughing extremely hard. It can be considered a more formal way of saying “rolling on the floor laughing (ROFL)” – the trendy Internet slang.
  • On both sides of the aisle: It is being on two sides of a contest or battle – the expression is generally used in political contexts.
  • Walking her down the aisle: This refers to the church wedding tradition wherein the bride’s father walks his daughter to the altar between the rows of seating in a church before the wedding proceedings could begin.

Example Sentences with the Word “Aisle”

Below is a list of sentences using the word “aisle”. Kindly note, “aisle” can be used as a common noun or proper noun. Depending on how it gets utilized, the capitalization rules will vary or apply accordingly.

  • The cornflakes are in Aisle 3.
  • He was looking forward to walking his daughter, Mary, down the aisle.
  • A few mangoes fell off the shelves and into the aisle of the store.
  • The 787 Dreamliner’s wider cabin allows for significantly wider aisles and roomy seats.
  • The cops dragged him down the aisle of the grocery store.
  • The aisle in the bus was crowded with commuters.
  • The aisles in this retail store are narrower now than what they used to be a year before.
  • We must go to the other side of the aisle (political context) to address the issue.
  • Both sides of the aisle have more than a few thoughts to share.
  • Do you prefer aisle seats or window seats when flying?
  • You’ll find soaps and shampoos in the third aisle from the exit gate.
  • Online shopping means you need not negotiate with the usually crowded supermarket aisles during the weekends.
  • The stewardess walked down the aisle to serve refreshments.

Using the Word “Isle” in Texts

The word “isle” is used in texts like how “island” is used. However, there could be minor discrepancies.

The term “isle” as a general noun or standalone word is considered a tad old-fashioned (as mentioned above). It is, therefore, more commonly used in romantic descriptive writings or poetic contexts. For instance:

  • The isle is replete with sounds, noises, and sweet air. (Shakespearean English)

Therefore, in contemporary writings, the term is almost earmarked for use in individual islands’ names, as mentioned below.

The word “island” is invariably used as a general noun (there are a few exceptions to this rule, however), while the noun “Isle” often features in the names of islands. In other words, “Isle” is used as a proper noun typically, and the term “island” is mostly used as a general noun.

The following are proper names with “Isle” in them:

  • British Isles
  • Isles of Scilly
  • Isle of Mull
  • Isle of Wight
  • Isle of Arran

As mentioned above, the word “island” is not always used as a common noun. This means the noun too has its fair share of proper island names to its credit, which include:

  • Andros Island
  • Out Islands
  • San Salvador Island
  • Alexander Island
  • Stonington Island

The noun “isle” can also be used as a general noun, or it need not necessarily be a part of a name – for example, in the phrase “the isle of Rhodes”, the word “isle” is used as a general noun.

Example Sentences with the Word “Isle”

The following is a list of sentences using the word “isle” or “isles”:

  • She would like to explore the remote Caribbean isles.
  • I went sail-boating and found some magnificent little isles.
  • The family visited the Isle of Man for summer vacation.
  • A non-profit group based out of the British Isles requested locals and tourists not to head to the beach for the next few days.
  • The officials visited the disputed isle after much deliberation.
  • She swam to the isle from the mainland.
  • The movie was shot on one of those beautiful isles.
  • I was stranded on the deserted isle for six consecutive days.
  • The pirates were searching for the lost isle.
  • The British Isles consists of the Isle of Man and Isle of Wight.

Conclusion

isle in bright blue ocean water

Hopefully, this article would have made the differences between “aisle” and “isle” crystal-clear, helping you learn when or in what context to use either of the two words in your texts.

Both the terms are common nouns, or they are not capitalized in sentences in general. However, when they become a part of an actual name – for example, the British Isles or Aisle 3 – they are capitalized.

And if you’re still finding it difficult getting a hold over the respective meanings and spellings of the two words, just remember this: Churches have aisles and amens; vacations have isles and islands.