Aisle or Isle?

search our site by Craig Shrives

What Is the Difference between "Aisle" and "Isle"?

"Aisle" and "isle" are easy to confuse because they sound the same.

• An "aisle" is a passageway (typically in a church). For example:
  • My uncle walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
• An "isle" refers to a small island or peninsula. For example:
• We come from a small isle on the west coast of Ireland.

There is also "I'll" (a contraction of "I will" or "I shall"), but "I'll" is almost never confused with "aisle" or "isle."

Aisle, Isle, or I'll?

The words "aisle," "isle," and "I'll" sound identical, but their meanings are quite different. ("Aisle," "isle," and "I'll" are homonyms, specifically homophones.)

Aisle

The noun "aisle" is a part of a church divided laterally from the nave by a row of pillars or columns. It is also a passageway (usually between rows of seats).

Example sentences with "aisle":

• For my first wedding, I cried all the way down the aisle. (Actress Sherri Shepherd)
• I just avoid the Doritos aisle at the grocery store. (Actress Elizabeth Banks)

Isle

The noun "isle" is an island or peninsula, especially a small one.

Example sentences with "isle":

• He's going to boarding school in the Isle of Wight.
• I recited 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' at a verse speaking competition when I was eight or nine.

The word "isle" most often appears in proper nouns (i.e., the names of islands). Native English speakers tend to use "island" not "isle."

I'll

"I'll" is a contraction of "I will" or "I shall."

Example sentences with "I'll":

• I'll lend you one of my night gowns and find some clothes for you to wear in the morning.
• One day I'll know how far I'll go. (Lyric by singer Alessia Cara)

Common Terms with "Aisle" and "Isle"

Common terms with the word "aisle":

• to walk down the aisle
• cross the aisle
• aisle seat
• aisle planner

Common terms with the word "isle":

• Isle of Arran
• The Emerald Isle
• Isle of Man
• Isle of Sky
• Isle of Scilly
• Isle of Sheppey

Ready for the Test?