by your sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by your sides" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the position or location of something or someone next to someone's physical side(s). It can also be used figuratively to describe someone's support or companionship. Example: As we walked through the park, the dog stayed faithfully by our sides. Example: Thank you for always being by my side during difficult times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lie on your back, arms by your sides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let your arms hang loosely by your sides, with your elbows slightly bent and hands relaxed.

The Guardian

Let your arms dangle by your sides... now, "the first metacarpal bone should be in line with the infra gluteal fold".

Independent

i) Lie face down with your arms by your sides ii) As you inhale, pick your chest up off the floor, ensuring that you keep your toes in contact with the floor and squeeze your glutes (bum).

The Guardian

"The more relaxed and loose they are, the less tension you're going to feel in your shoulders, neck and upper back," says Steve. "Your arms should swing straight back and forth by your sides, hands loose and open".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both arms should be straight by your sides, palms up.

Huffington Post

Place your arms, palms up, by your sides, keeping your shoulders back and your chest open.

Huffington Post

Bring your fists up to your cheekbones, keeping your elbows in by your sides.

Huffington Post

Lay your arms by your sides and lift your hips up.

Huffington Post

Bring your arms by your sides, bending the elbows and pressing them into the floor.

Huffington Post

The world's a better place because of you and I'm a very grateful man to be by your sides.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by your sides" to indicate both physical proximity and unwavering support, especially in contexts where loyalty and companionship are important.

Common error

Avoid using "by your sides" when only physical presence is meant, without the implication of support or solidarity. Opt for phrases like "next to you" if mere proximity is the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by your sides" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It often modifies a verb or noun, indicating location or manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by your sides" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase widely used to denote physical closeness and, more significantly, unwavering support. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent occurrence across diverse sources, especially in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, it effectively communicates loyalty and companionship. For scenarios focusing solely on physical presence, alternatives such as "next to you" may be more fitting. Remember to use "by your sides" when you want to convey both nearness and dependable support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at your side

Similar in meaning, but singular, emphasizing a closer, more personal connection.

alongside you

Focuses on physical proximity and support, slightly more direct than "by your sides".

standing by you

Implies loyalty and unwavering support, slightly stronger than "by your sides".

with you

Emphasizes companionship and shared experience, broader in scope than "by your sides".

supporting you

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement, more active than "by your sides".

backing you up

Informal expression indicating strong support and readiness to defend, more assertive than "by your sides".

in your corner

Idiomatic expression indicating support and advocacy, more figurative than "by your sides".

next to you

Focuses solely on physical proximity, lacking the connotation of support present in "by your sides".

accompanying you

Emphasizes the act of going somewhere together, less about support than "by your sides".

assisting you

Highlights the provision of help or service, more specific than "by your sides".

FAQs

How can I use "by your sides" in a sentence?

You can use "by your sides" to indicate physical proximity or unwavering support. For example, "The loyal dog remained by their sides throughout the journey" or "We will stand by your sides during this difficult time."

What can I say instead of "by your sides"?

You can use alternatives such as "alongside you", "with you", or "supporting you" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at your side" or "by your sides"?

It depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural context. "At your side" emphasizes a closer, more personal connection, while "by your sides" suggests a more general sense of companionship or support from multiple individuals.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "by your sides"?

Avoid using "by your sides" when you only mean physical presence without the implication of support. In such cases, phrases like "next to you" or near you are more suitable.