by our side

USAGE SUMMARY

"by our side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are supporting or helping you, as in "We had our friends and family by our side throughout the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need other women by our side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The violence wasn't initiated by our side".

The New Yorker

Though we cannot see you, you are by our side.

The New York Times

"We have many friends who stand by our side and who will stand by our side at all times".

The New York Times

Laura and I are honored to have Dick and Lynne Cheney by our side.

The New York Times

"After that," Ms. Marokvia writes, "what we called animal fear sat by our side".

The New York Times - Books

The freedom-loving nations of the world stand by our side.

The New York Times

We need our fathers and mothers to be by our side".

The Guardian

With him by our side, we believed we could do, be, and conquer anything.

The New York Times

That context must now be fully realized by our side in this conflict.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's why we need great buddies to fail right by our side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional context when using the phrase "by our side". It often implies a sense of loyalty, encouragement, and shared experience.

Common error

Avoid using "by our side" when a more specific term like "assisting" or "guiding" would be more accurate. The phrase can be too general if you need to describe a particular action or role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by our side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating presence, support, or companionship. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical use. Examples show it often describes relationships during significant events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by our side" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express support, companionship, or presence during significant moments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news and media, conveying a sense of solidarity and protection. While versatile, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects the specific type of support being described. Alternatives like "standing by us" or "in our corner" can offer more nuanced meanings. When writing, use "by our side" to create an emotional connection and emphasize the importance of having allies, and avoid overgeneralizing when a more specific term would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing by us

Emphasizes loyalty and unwavering support during difficult times.

alongside us

Indicates being together or in partnership with someone.

in our corner

Emphasizes support and advocacy for someone.

in solidarity with us

Emphasizes shared values and mutual support.

supporting us

Highlights the act of providing assistance and encouragement.

backing us

Highlights the act of giving encouragement and resources to someone.

with us

Simple expression of being together or in agreement.

aiding us

Focuses on providing help and assistance.

assisting us

Similar to "aiding us", but perhaps more formal.

at our back

Implies having someone's support and protection.

FAQs

What does "by our side" mean?

The phrase "by our side" means that someone is supporting us, helping us, or is physically close to us, especially during a difficult or important time. It suggests companionship, assistance, and solidarity.

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

You can use "by our side" in sentences like, "We were grateful to have our family "standing by us" during the crisis", or "The community pledged to remain "in solidarity with us" throughout the struggle".

What are some alternatives to "by our side"?

Alternatives to "by our side" include phrases like "alongside us", "supporting us", or "in our corner". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by our side" and "with us"?

While both phrases indicate being together, "by our side" often implies a stronger sense of support and active participation, whereas "with us" can simply mean physical presence or agreement.