at the left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a position or location on the left side of something. Example: "The exit is located at the left of the main entrance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move left and crouch at the left end.

WikiHow

Klebs is at the left.

Yale University

parents had entered at the left.

Princeton University

Use the links at the left to access them.

University of California, Berkeley

This is looking at the left side of the brain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

His pants were torn at the left kneecap.

The New York Times - Sports

Webster, at the left, looks wild and unkempt.

The New Yorker

The number of each school is listed at the left.

The New York Times

Only the woman (a courtesan?) at the left seems indifferent.

The Guardian

Kenn Sabberton was seated at the left on the stage.

The New York Times

Lindsey was at the left and Susie at the right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relative positions, ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "at the left of the entrance" rather than just "at the left".

Common error

Avoid using "at the left" without a clear reference point. Without specifying what the object is to the left of, the phrase becomes vague and confusing for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the left" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a specific location or position. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to denote something situated on the left side of a reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the left" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a position or location on the left side of something. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English for clear spatial orientation. With a neutral register, its frequent appearance in Wiki, Science, and News & Media contexts suggests a versatile application across different writing styles. When using "at the left", make sure that the reference point is clear. Some alternatives are "on the left" and "to the left".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the left-hand side

Replaces "at the left" with a more descriptive and emphatic term for the left side.

to the left

A shorter, more direct way of indicating a position on the left.

on the left margin

Specifically refers to the left edge or border.

on its left

More specific way of indicating that something is on the left side of something else.

towards the left

Implies a direction or movement towards the left.

on the larboard side

Nautical term for "left side", less common in general use.

at the port side

Maritime term for the left side of a vessel.

leftward

Adverb indicating movement or direction towards the left.

on the left flank

Military term indicating the left side of a formation.

at the western edge

Uses a cardinal direction to specify the left side, assuming a general orientation.

FAQs

How can I use "at the left" in a sentence?

Use "at the left" to indicate a position on the left side of something. For example, "The entrance is located at the left of the building" or "The button is at the left of the screen".

What are some alternatives to saying "at the left"?

You can use alternatives such as "on the left", "to the left", or "on the left-hand side" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at the left" or "on the left"?

Both "at the left" and "on the left" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis, with "on the left" being more common.

What's the difference between "at the left" and "to the left"?

"At the left" usually specifies a location, while "to the left" often indicates direction or movement. However, in many contexts, they can be used interchangeably.