by their side

USAGE SUMMARY

"by their side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "near or close to someone, especially to support them". For example: "Mandy felt grateful for her family standing by her side throughout her difficult recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was by their side," Motzko said.

The New York Times - Sports

Their daughter stood by their side.

The New York Times

My children need me by their side growing up".

The New York Times

"They need to know America stands squarely by their side.

The New York Times

Iraqis said no shots had been fired by their side.

The New York Times

I need to stand by their side," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

In others, it is hard to imagine the Afghans conducting missions without Americans by their side.

The New York Times

So what really matters is who they have by their side in Government.

Independent

No one wants to die with no one by their side.

Independent

The sisters were discovered alive, in bed together, a bloody hammer by their side.

The Guardian

They need to know that we stand behind them, stand by their side".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by their side", ensure the context clearly indicates whom you are referring to. Ambiguity can arise if the antecedent of "their" is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "by their side" when you mean simply being physically near someone without offering actual support or assistance. The phrase implies active involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by their side" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate proximity and support. As Ludwig AI shows, it emphasizes a position of solidarity and assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by their side" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that conveys support and companionship. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. The phrase's neutral register makes it versatile for different writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in referencing "their" and remember that it suggests active support, not mere physical presence. Alternative phrases such as "supporting them" or "standing with them" can offer nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being there for them

Underlines the importance of emotional presence and availability to offer help. The expression is more informal than "by their side".

supporting them

Focuses specifically on providing assistance and encouragement. Implies active aid.

sticking with them

Emphasizes loyalty and unwavering support, particularly during difficult times. The level of reciprocal commitment is bigger.

in their corner

An idiomatic expression implying support and advocacy, particularly in a competitive situation. Creates more empathy.

standing with them

Emphasizes solidarity and alignment, suggesting a shared stance or position. Highlights the agreement in ideas.

backing them up

Stresses the act of providing reinforcement or defense, often in response to a challenge or threat. Brings in the idea of protection.

assisting them

Highlights practical support and direct help in achieving a goal. Centers in active service.

lending a hand

Focuses on offering practical help or assistance. More concise and colloquial than "by their side".

accompanying them

Focuses on the act of going together, emphasizing presence rather than active support. It is less expressive than "by their side".

at their service

Signifies readiness to provide assistance or fulfill needs, particularly in a professional or formal context.

FAQs

What does "by their side" mean?

The phrase "by their side" means being near someone, especially to support them during a difficult time or important event. It implies offering help, comfort, or companionship.

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

You can use "by their side" to describe someone offering support: "Mandy felt grateful for her family standing by her side throughout her difficult recovery".

What are some alternatives to saying "by their side"?

You can use alternatives like "supporting them", "standing with them", or "being there for them" depending on the context.

Is "by their side" formal or informal?

"By their side" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone of your writing or conversation.