Aisle or Isle: What’s the Difference?

“Aisle” or “Isle”?

Aisle and isle are homophones that are both nouns. Aisle refers to “the walkway between seats (like at a theater or classroom)”. Isle is another word for island, particularly a small one.

Whenever I travel, I always try to get an aisle seat on the airplane.
Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle because of its beautiful greenery.

What’s the Difference Between “Aisle” and “Isle”?

Walking down the aisle and walking down the isle are two very different activities.

One is an expression that means “to get married.” And the other’s literal meaning is “to take a stroll on an island.”

Are you not sure which is which? Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of these homophones and teach you an easy way to remember when to use isle or aisle.

When To Use “Aisle”

Aisle is a noun that means “the passage found between or along seats in a theater, classroom, church, etc., or between shelves at a store, factory, or warehouse.”

Have you ever been on an airplane? The walkway people use to get to their seats is an aisle.

When you’re at the grocery store, standing between shelves picking out your favorite snacks, you’re in the aisle.

When I went to the store, one of the aisles was closed because the employees were stocking the shelves.

The aisles in the church were decorated with flowers for the wedding.

Whether I’m on a plane or at the theater, I always try to get a seat right by the aisle.

Aisle is also found in a few expressions.

Across the aisle is used in political contexts and means to work with the opposing political party.

She’ll need to reach across the aisle if she wants to get the bill passed.

To be or have someone laughing (or rolling) in the aisles means to be laughing hysterically.

Your act is great! You’ll definitely have everyone rolling in the aisles.

There’s one more common expression that has to do with wedding altars. Do you know which one it is? We’ll tell you in just a bit.

Remember: an aisle is a walkway or passage.

The “a” in “aisle” can help you remember that it’s a “walkway” or “passage” between or along seats or shelves.

When To Use “Isle”

Isle is also a noun, but this one refers to an island, usually a small one.

We went on holiday to the British Isles.

When we were younger, my dad told us tales of an ancient isle.

While on the plane, I saw hundreds and hundreds of isles.

This one is easy to remember because isle means island.

The “is” in “isle” can help you remember it’s synonymous with “island.”

So, Is It Wedding “Isle” or “Aisle”?

The correct phrase is always wedding aisle.

To walk down the aisle is a popular expression that means “to get married.”

I can’t believe my sister is getting ready to walk down the aisle.

Spend the Rest of Your Life Writing Flawlessly

Homophones are one of the most difficult aspects of the English language. It takes a lot of practice and familiarization to learn how to use them in the proper contexts.

At least when it comes to aisle vs. isle, you’ll remember the former is a walkway and the latter is an island.

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