by his side

USAGE SUMMARY

"by his side" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a person or thing that is near someone else in physical proximity. For example, "He sat in the chair, his beloved dog by his side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Silas was by his side.

The New York Times

His fiancée was by his side.

The New York Times

Cooper was always by his side".

The New York Times - Sports

"He just needs it by his side".

The New York Times - Sports

His wife, Joanne, stood by his side.

The New York Times - Sports

His tennis racket was by his side.

The New York Times

His son, Mitchell Talisman, was by his side.

The New York Times

Who was by his side?

The New York Times

Joba is by his side.

The New York Times

I will fight by his side".

The Guardian - Sport

Manuel remained standing by his side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by his side" to emphasize companionship, support, or close physical proximity. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure you are using the correct possessive pronoun. "By her side" refers to a female, "by their side" refers to a group, and "by my side" refers to oneself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by his side" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate where someone or something is in relation to "him". It describes the manner or circumstance of an action or state of being, indicating proximity and often support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

13%

Literature

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Vice

2%

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by his side" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates physical proximity and often implies support, companionship, or loyalty. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in standard English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with notable presence in sports and literary works. While generally neutral in register, it suggests a closer, more supportive relationship than a simple statement of physical location. When writing, remember to use the correct possessive pronoun and consider the subtle nuances it adds to your sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at his side

A more direct synonym, indicating physical closeness and availability.

beside him

Similar to "at his side", emphasizing physical location.

alongside him

Implies a shared journey or activity.

standing by him

Implies loyalty and unwavering support, especially during difficult times.

accompanying him

Focuses on the act of going along with someone, emphasizing companionship.

supporting him

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

in his company

Focuses on the act of being with someone socially.

backing him up

Suggests providing support, often in a challenging situation.

in support of him

Emphasizes the act of providing active support.

assisting him

Highlights the act of providing help or aid.

FAQs

How can I use "by his side" in a sentence?

Use "by his side" to indicate someone is accompanying, supporting, or near a male person. For example, "The lawyer stood "at his side" during the trial."

What does it mean to be "by his side"?

To be "by his side" means to be physically present with him, often implying support, companionship, or loyalty. It suggests a close relationship or a commitment to assisting him.

What are some alternative phrases for "by his side"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at his side", "alongside him", "supporting him", or "in his company", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by his side" and "next to him"?

"By his side" often implies a sense of support or companionship, whereas "next to him" is a more neutral description of physical proximity. You'd use "by his side" when the relationship or support is relevant.