by its side

USAGE SUMMARY

'by its side' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is in physical proximity to something else. For example: She placed her coffee cup by its side.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space (which is attached to WNYC), a dapper young cellist indicated a modern relationship with his instrument by lifting it by its side with one stretched hand.

The New Yorker

Therefore, this data set diversity could be given mostly by its side chains and it can be found on the blue or red quadrant depending on the scaffold metric employed.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Only you're not going to know that unless you're reading it with the original by its side.

The Guardian - Books

"Ankara should not take a stand against the Syrian Kurds: It should take them by its side and walk together with them," Ms. Aydintasbas wrote.

The New York Times

For a while, I continued to wear just the one ring, my daughter's birthstone, but it didn't feel or look right without the peridot by its side.

Huffington Post

The arms were down by its side.

Independent

Its efficacy, however, has been compromised to some degree by its side effects.

Clinical Lymphoma and Myeloma

Every adjective, every noble noun, has a scabbard hanging by its side.

The Guardian - Books

There is an added element, a sign standing by its side.

The New York Times - Arts

The ricotta cheesecake is respectable, although not as good as the pistachio gelato by its side.

The New York Times - Food

Where is St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and the parochial school always by its side, like an obedient child?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by its side" to clearly indicate physical proximity or metaphorical support. Ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the pronoun "its" has a clear and immediate antecedent. Without a clear referent, the phrase becomes confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by its side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location, accompaniment, or support. This usage is validated by Ludwig, showcasing various examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by its side" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate physical proximity or support. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. The neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using the phrase, ensure the referent of "its" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "alongside it" or "next to it" to add variety to your writing. Ludwig showcases numerous real-world examples, further solidifying the phrase's acceptability and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alongside it

Uses a different preposition to indicate being next to something.

next to it

Emphasizes physical adjacency using a simpler construction.

adjacent to it

A more formal term for being next to something.

in close proximity to it

A more elaborate way of expressing nearness.

in its vicinity

Focuses on the general area surrounding something.

accompanying it

Highlights the act of going together with something.

flanking it

Implies being on either side, often for protection.

supporting it

Focuses on the act of providing assistance or backing.

attending it

Suggests being present and often serving or supporting.

in conjunction with it

Implies working together or being used in combination.

FAQs

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

Use "by its side" to indicate something is located next to, accompanying, or supporting something else. For instance, "The statue stood tall with a plaque "next to it"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by its side"?

Alternatives include phrases like "alongside it", ""next to it"", or "adjacent to it", each offering a slightly different nuance of proximity or support.

Is it grammatically correct to use "by its side"?

Yes, "by its side" is grammatically correct. It's a common prepositional phrase used to denote physical proximity or metaphorical support. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid expression.

What's the difference between "by its side" and "beside it"?

"By its side" and "beside it" are very similar in meaning. "Beside it" is a more concise option, while "by its side" might emphasize a supportive or accompanying role in addition to physical location.