Looking at one side

USAGE SUMMARY

"Looking at one side" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a particular perspective or aspect of a topic. For example, "Looking at one side of the argument, we can see the benefits of the proposal." Alternative expressions include "Considering one aspect" and "Focusing on one perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We do not recognize an object by looking at one side and then another and then another.

The New York Times - Tech

Again, you're just looking at one side of the balance sheet.

Forbes

But there is no magic pot of Obamacare money and the Walker administration is only looking at one side of the ledger.

Forbes

Hubbard: Only looking at one side of a consumer the prices they pay is like your doctor saying she is going to give you meds that will save your kidneys but destroy all of your other organs.

Forbes

He is doing TREMENDOUS damage to our Criminal Justice System, where he is only looking at one side and not the other.

Huffington Post

"Because so many in Europe are focusing on the 3 percent artificial number, which has no reality and is just looking at one side of a balance sheet, Europe is at risk of going into a double-dip," Mr. Stiglitz said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Looking at both books side by side, the judgement on which works best is hard to call.

The Guardian - Books

Looking at the shops side-by-side, one cannot help but be struck by the thought that the Lacroix label needs more than a sticking plaster to save it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Looking at the bright side, only one patient (3.85%) was diagnosed after 16 years of age in the present survey, whereas the European internet-based patient and research database for PID shows that more than 21% of all registered patients were diagnosed at 16 years of age or later [ 3].

BioMed Research International

The Museum of Modern Art has created two, "Looking at Music" and its sequel, "Looking at Music: Side 2".

The New York Times

Looking at these quilts side-by-side, we conclude they are not substantially similar to one another.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific nouns like "ledger", "story", or "argument" to clarify what exactly is being isolated.

Common error

Avoid using "Looking at one side" when you mean to accuse someone of being prejudiced; in those cases, "showing bias" or "taking sides" is usually more accurate. "Looking at one side" is often a neutral descriptive act rather than a moral failing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Looking at one side" typically functions as a participial phrase that introduces a specific perspective or focus. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as an adverbial modifier that sets the stage for a broader analysis or a comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard and usable construction in English for highlighting a particular facet of a larger issue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Looking at one side" is a correct and versatile phrase used to isolate a single aspect of a multi-faceted subject. Ludwig AI shows that it is favored by high-quality journalistic and scientific sources to provide focused analysis. While it is often used literally to describe physical objects, its figurative use in finance (ledgers) and rhetoric (arguments) is equally prominent. It serves as an essential tool for writers who wish to build a balanced argument by first examining its individual components before synthesizing a complete view.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Considering one aspect

Offers a more formal and analytical tone suitable for academic or business reports.

Examining a single perspective

Emphasizes the viewpoint rather than just the physical or conceptual 'side'.

Viewing from one angle

Uses a more visual metaphor often applicable to design, art, or physical objects.

Focusing on one facet

Suggests a detailed look at a specific feature within a complex whole.

Analyzing one dimension

Often used in scientific or highly technical contexts to describe specialized data.

Taking a one-sided view

Stronger connotation of bias or lack of objectivity compared to the original phrase.

Seeing only one side

Often implies that the observer is missing the full picture, adding a critical nuance.

Observing one part

More literal and less idiomatic than the original phrase.

Looking at one component

Specifically refers to a physical or logical part of a larger system.

Investigating one element

Implies a deeper level of research or scrutiny than just 'looking'.

FAQs

How do I use "Looking at one side" in a sentence?

You can use it to start a sentence that examines a specific part of a topic, for example: "Looking at one side of the balance sheet, the company's debts seem manageable."

Is it better to say "Looking at one side" or "On the one hand"?

If you are physically or conceptually examining a part, use "Looking at one side". If you are contrasting two opposing arguments, "on the one hand" is the standard idiomatic choice.

What is a more formal alternative to "Looking at one side"?

In formal or academic contexts, you might prefer "considering a single aspect" or "examining one dimension".

Can I use "Looking at one side" in a scientific paper?

Yes, it is acceptable in scientific papers to describe a specific focus, such as "Looking at one side of the molecular structure reveals a high concentration of proteins."