at both sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at both sides' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate two opposite directions or positions on either side of something. For example, "The wall was decorated with ivy at both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

1. Hopelessly one-sided - doesn't look at both sides of the issue.

Huffington Post

But we take shots at both sides.

The Guardian - Film

I'm athletic enough to impact the game at both sides.

The New York Times - Sports

I looked at both sides of the frame again.

The New Yorker

A look at both sides of the debate.

The New York Times

"I think part of the problem is that nobody looks at both sides of any issue".

The Guardian - Film

I would like to have the group look at both sides of the issue".

The New York Times

Two of the most memorable jokes take stabs at both sides.

The Guardian - Film

I would like to see your paper look at both sides fairly.

The New York Times

Charles R. Pierce Charles R. Pierce always tried to look at both sides of an issue.

The New York Times

"I've always prided myself on looking at both sides of the issue," Showalter said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, use this phrase to indicate neutrality or a comprehensive analysis of a debate, as in 'looking at both sides of the issue'.

Common error

Ensure you use the plural form 'sides' when using 'both'. Writing 'at both side' is a common grammatical error that disrupts the logical duality of the quantifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at both sides" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier of place or a metaphorical modifier of perspective. In Ludwig, it is shown to bridge the gap between physical spatiality and abstract conceptualization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "at both sides" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase. Ludwig data highlights its dual utility: it is a staple in scientific and technical descriptions for physical positioning and a common idiom in journalism for maintaining objective balance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity across diverse genres, from instruction manuals on WikiHow to deep investigative pieces in The New Yorker. Writers should feel confident using it to denote symmetry, though "on both sides" remains a slightly more frequent choice in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on both sides

The most common and idiomatic alternative, often interchangeable in most contexts.

on either side

Focuses on one side or the other, implying symmetry.

at each side

Individualizes the two sides slightly more than using both.

from both sides

Indicates the origin of an action or viewpoint rather than just a position.

at both ends

Suggests a linear relationship or terminal points rather than lateral sides.

along both sides

Emphasizes extension or distance covering the length of the sides.

to both sides

Suggests directionality or an outward extension.

across both sides

Implies a span or movement that covers both surfaces.

flanking both sides

Provides a more descriptive and vivid sense of positioning.

of both sides

Typically used in a possessive sense or when describing characteristics.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "at both sides"?

Yes, "at both sides" is grammatically correct. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to describe physical positioning or abstract viewpoints.

What is the difference between "at both sides" and "on both sides"?

While both are similar, "on both sides" is often more common for surfaces, whereas "at both sides" is frequently found in scientific literature describing technical configurations.

Can I use "at both sides" in formal writing?

Absolutely. It appears regularly in high-authority sources such as "The New York Times" and various scientific journals published by "ScienceDirect".

What can I say instead of "looking at both sides"?

You can use alternatives like "considering all perspectives", "viewing from multiple angles", or "weighing each argument".