as a side order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a side order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional item or dish that accompanies a main meal, typically in a restaurant context. Example: "I would like a burger with fries as a side order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(They are available as a side order, too).

The New York Times

Two guests and I went through the enormous mound beside the steak, as well as a side order.

The New York Times - Food

When the cooks didn't overload the deep-fryer, the fries ($4 as a side order, though they come with many dishes) were fresh-tasting and crisp.

The New York Times - Food

As a side order, there's Rastafarianism, particularly the hard-line bobo ashanti variety adopted by current reggae stars including Sizzla and Capleton.

The Guardian - Music

I suggest these shredded vegetable patties as an accompaniment to the pie or custards below, but they will also work as a main course, or as a side order for cold turkey or ham.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Doing gigs in the coalfields connected me to a tradition of working-class resistance older and less tarnished than the Marxism I'd been offered as a side order at Rock Against Racism demos in the late 70s.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And you will endure their TED Talk on the pros and cons of this particular strain of "lemon kush" because McDonald's breakfasts don't taste nearly as good with a side order of tension headache nosebleed.

Vice

The next one goes something like, "Hey dudes, I've got some bogus news that is as much fun as a Neptune cocktail with a side order of a sand facial …", but that's too Australian surfer and he's sure the lads won't know what he's on about.

The Guardian - Sport

As a "combo" meal with a side order and a drink, it can contain 1,000 calories, 45 grams of fat and 2,120 milligrams of salt - which is more sodium than the American Heart Association recommends in a day.

The Guardian - Business

Jackie and I visited them for light suppers in the late evening, one after the opera and one after a play, but they're also nice, fuss-free options for pre-theater dining -- or indeed for lunch or dinner at regular meal times -- so long as you don't expect a side order of tranquility with your food.

Huffington Post

Vegetable courses, such as this one, are good with a side order of greens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a side order", ensure the context clearly indicates a culinary setting where food is being ordered or served. For example, "I'll have the steak, with mashed potatoes "as a side order"."

Common error

Avoid using "as a side order" in non-culinary contexts where a more general phrase like "in addition" or "as a supplement" would be more appropriate. Don't say "He gained experience "as a side order" to his main job." Instead, use "in addition" or "alongside".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a side order" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, specifying an additional item or service alongside the main one, typically in a culinary context. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage in various news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a side order" is a grammatically sound and easily understood way to indicate an additional item, particularly food, that accompanies a main dish or item. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in wiki-type articles, indicating a level of neutrality in tone. While "as a side order" is generally appropriate in restaurant and everyday conversation, the alternatives such as "as a side dish" or "as an accompaniment", may be more suitable in formal writing. Remember to use this phrase in the appropriate culinary context and avoid it when referring to additional items or services in general.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a side dish

Direct synonym, commonly used in culinary contexts.

on the side

Shorter and more informal.

with the main course

Focuses on the co-occurrence of the side with the main dish.

as an accompaniment

More formal and emphasizes the complementary nature.

as a complement

Emphasizes how the side item enhances the main dish.

in addition to the main course

More explicit and emphasizes the supplementary nature.

along with the main meal

Similar to "in addition to", but slightly less formal.

as a supplementary item

Highlights the additional nature of the item.

optional extra

Emphasizes the choice to have this item or not

as an extra

Simple and informal, emphasizing that it is not required.

FAQs

How can I use "as a side order" in a sentence?

Use "as a side order" to indicate an additional item chosen to accompany a main dish, especially in a restaurant context. Example: "I'd like the chicken, and fries "as a side dish"."

What is an alternative to saying "as a side order"?

Alternatives include "on the side", "as an accompaniment", or "as a side dish". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to say "side order" or "side dish"?

"Side order" and "side dish" are both correct and commonly used, with very little difference in meaning. "Side order" may slightly imply the action of ordering, while "side dish" focuses more on the dish itself.

Can "as a side order" be used outside of a restaurant setting?

While primarily used in restaurant or culinary settings, "as a side order" can metaphorically refer to something additional or supplementary. However, in such cases, alternatives like "in addition" or "supplementary" may be more appropriate.