at her side

USAGE SUMMARY

"at her side" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate either physical or emotional proximity. For example, "He stood at her side, offering his silent support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The patient's husband sat at her side.

The New York Times

Soon, Miranda was at her side.

The New York Times - Sports

Several neighbors appeared at her side.

The New York Times

The young Marc worked at her side.

The New York Times - Food

Dinkins, the former mayor, at her side.

The New York Times

Her family was at her side.

The New York Times

Mr. Silver was still at her side.

The New Yorker

Her mother is at her side in one photograph.

The New York Times

She walked briskly toward them, the knife at her side.

The Guardian

Until then, his presence at her side concentrated her mind.

The Guardian

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Bob says, materializing at her side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at her side" to vividly portray not only physical closeness but also a sense of unwavering support or companionship. The phrase carries an emotional weight, suggesting loyalty and dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "at her side" when simply describing someone's location. The phrase implies a deeper connection than mere physical presence. Use "next to her" or "beside her" if you only intend to denote proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at her side" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate location and manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It describes the position of someone in relation to another, often implying support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at her side" is a prepositional phrase denoting physical proximity combined with an implication of support or companionship. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as shown in numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly within News & Media. While alternatives like "beside her" or "next to her" exist, this phrase distinctly suggests more than mere location. Therefore, ensure its use aligns with the intended emotional and relational context to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by her side

A variation with identical meaning, emphasizing support.

beside her

Indicates physical closeness, often implying support.

next to her

Focuses on physical adjacency without necessarily implying support.

alongside her

Suggests a parallel journey or shared experience.

accompanying her

Implies going somewhere together.

with her

A more general term indicating presence or company.

supporting her

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

assisting her

Implies active help and aid.

in her company

Focuses on the act of being with someone.

in close proximity to her

A more formal way to indicate nearness.

FAQs

What does "at her side" mean?

The phrase "at her side" means being physically close to someone, often implying support, companionship, or loyalty. It suggests more than just proximity; it indicates a connection or supportive presence.

What are some alternatives to "at her side"?

You can use alternatives such as "beside her", "next to her", "alongside her", or "with her" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at her side" and "by her side"?

The phrases "at her side" and "by her side" are essentially interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both indicate physical closeness and often imply support or loyalty.

How can I use "at her side" in a sentence?

You can use "at her side" to describe someone's location in relation to another person, implying a supportive presence. For example, "During the ceremony, her mother stood "at her side", offering comfort and encouragement."