at the bedside

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the bedside" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the area directly next to a bed. For example: "The nurse was sitting at the bedside to monitor the patient's condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Eugene served Agnes breakfast in bed every morning; he ate at the bedside table.

The New Yorker

His wife sat at the bedside.

The New York Times

But they are not at the bedside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Commemorate his passing with wine and reminiscence at the bedside?

The New York Times

A senior registrar meets us at the bedside.

The Guardian

Lessons at the bedside have been no less striking.

The New York Times - Science

The nurse at the bedside looked almost as scared.

The New York Times

"Polemics really have no place at the bedside".

The New York Times - Health

"We need to keep them at the bedside longer".

The New York Times

But at the bedside, she is a different person entirely.

The New York Times - Arts

We try to put aside our biases and treat the person at the bedside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, "at the bedside" evokes a sense of intimacy and immediacy compared to more general terms like "in the hospital".

Common error

Avoid using "at the bedside" when you simply mean being in the same room as the patient. "At the bedside" implies a closer proximity and a direct interaction or observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the bedside" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify location or circumstance. It indicates proximity and often implies direct interaction or observation, as shown in Ludwig's examples from medical and caregiving contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the bedside" is a prepositional phrase denoting close proximity to a bed, frequently in a medical or caregiving context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its function is to specify location and imply direct interaction or observation, serving to emphasize personal involvement and care. Predominantly found in news media and scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended proximity and direct engagement, avoiding confusion with more general location terms. The phrase has many alternatives such as "by the bed", "near the patient" or "at the patient's side", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the bed

Focuses on the physical location near the bed.

at the patient's side

Highlights the presence of someone next to the patient, implying support or assistance.

near the patient

Emphasizes the location in relation to the patient, removing the specific reference to the bed.

close by

Simple and direct, indicating physical nearness.

in attendance

Refers to someone being present to provide care or support.

in the sickroom

Highlights presence in the room dedicated to the patient's care, typically at home.

watching over

Implies a protective or caring watchfulness.

minding the patient

Emphasizes the act of looking after or taking care of the patient.

providing care

Focuses on the act of giving assistance and support.

offering comfort

Emphasizes the emotional support being provided.

FAQs

How is "at the bedside" typically used in a sentence?

You'll often find "at the bedside" used to describe the presence and actions of healthcare professionals or family members providing care. For example, "The nurse monitored the patient "at the bedside"".

What are some alternatives to "at the bedside"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "by the bed", "near the patient", or "at the patient's side".

Is "at the bedside" formal or informal?

"At the bedside" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing healthcare or personal care scenarios.

When should I use "at the bedside" instead of "in the room"?

Use "at the bedside" when you want to emphasize proximity and direct interaction or observation related to the bed. "In the room" is more general and indicates presence within the same space, regardless of closeness to the bed.