a side of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a side of" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a portion or serving of a food, typically as a accompaniment to the main dish. For example: - Can I have a side of fries with my burger? - The restaurant offers a side of vegetables with every entree. - I'll have the steak with a side of mashed potatoes. It can also be used to describe a secondary aspect or perspective of a situation or story. For example: - There is always a side of the story that is left untold. - The book explores the dark side of fame and success. - I could see both sides of the argument, but ultimately I had to make a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a side of bacon.

The New York Times

A side of cauliflower and cooked tomatoes.

The New York Times

It's definitely a side of me").

The New Yorker

The truth with a side of tenderness.

The New York Times - Health

Duck with a side of jazz?

The New York Times - Travel

I suggest a side of bagel.

The New Yorker

Also unusual: a side of pork rinds.

The Washington Post

Serve with a side of tatale.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's horseradish with a side of shrimp.

The Guardian

(A side of mayonnaise is $1).

The New York Times - Magazine

This video is a side of him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to aspects or perspectives, consider if a more precise term like "facet" or "element" might provide greater clarity than "a side of".

Common error

Avoid using "a side of" when referring to non-food items or abstract concepts if it sounds awkward. For example, instead of "the project requires "a side of" creativity", try "the project requires an element of creativity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a side of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a noun that complements or accompanies something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a side of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to denote an accompaniment or partial aspect. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. While extremely versatile, it's worth noting that its formality can vary depending on the context. Predominantly found in News & Media, and with a noticeable presence in academic and scientific fields, this phrase is safe to use when specifying an addition or secondary element, but might benefit from alternatives in strictly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with an accompaniment of

Replaces "a side of" with a more formal term for something that goes with the main item.

accompanied by

Expresses the idea of something being added, replacing the noun-focused "side".

a portion of

Indicates a quantity or serving, similar to "a side of" in food-related contexts.

a serving of

Similar to "a portion of", but more directly implies a measured amount.

in addition to

Highlights the additive nature, suitable when referring to abstract concepts.

as a complement to

Emphasizes that the item enhances or completes something else.

a secondary aspect of

Shifts the focus to a less important or supporting element.

a facet of

Indicates one part of a larger subject or idea.

an element of

Highlights the component nature, applicable in diverse situations.

a touch of

Implies a small amount or subtle addition of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a side of" in a sentence?

The phrase "a side of" is typically used to indicate an accompaniment to a main dish, such as "I would like "a side of" fries with my burger." It can also be used to describe a secondary aspect, like "The job involves "a side of" administrative tasks".

What's the difference between "accompanied by" and "a side of"?

"Accompanied by" often implies a more formal or integral pairing, whereas "a side of" suggests a separate, optional addition. For example, "The main course is accompanied by vegetables," versus "I'll have the steak with a side of potatoes."

Are there alternatives to "a side of" for abstract concepts?

Yes, for abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "an element of", "a facet of", or "an aspect of". For instance, instead of "The decision requires a side of courage," you could say, "The decision requires an element of courage."

Is it always appropriate to use "a side of" in professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "a side of" might sound too informal in some professional contexts. In such cases, consider more formal alternatives like "in addition to" or "accompanied by" to maintain a professional tone.