from side to side

USAGE SUMMARY

"from side to side" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a movement or action that goes from one side to the other. Example: The pendulum swung from side to side, creating a soothing rhythm in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From side to side.

The New Yorker

Lean from side to side.

The New York Times

Instead, he shifted from side to side.

The New York Times

"From side to side, slowly".

The New York Times - Style

Avoid shifting from side to side.

Columbia University

"We shouldn't rush from side to side".

The New York Times

Then it swayed from side to side.

The New York Times

His eyes dart from side to side.

The New York Times

His eyes darted from side to side.

The Guardian - Tech

Small waves rocked us slightly from side to side.

The New York Times - Travel

"It kind of swishes from side to side".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “from side to side” to clearly describe movements or orientations that involve going from one side to another. For instance, describing a swaying motion or the direction of someone's gaze.

Common error

Avoid using “from side to side” repeatedly in long, complex sentences. Simplify the sentence structure or use synonyms like “laterally” or “sideways” to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from side to side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs to describe the direction or manner of movement. It provides spatial orientation, indicating a motion that involves traversing between two sides. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from side to side" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes movement or orientation between two sides. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it's suitable for many situations, it’s essential to avoid overuse in complex sentences and consider synonyms like "laterally" or "sideways" for better clarity. The phrase is particularly frequent in news and media, wiki articles, and academic writing, making it a valuable addition to your descriptive vocabulary. Its neutral register ensures appropriateness in a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from one side to the other

More explicit and literal description of movement across two sides, adding emphasis.

side to side motion

Nominal phrase emphasizing the action of moving, suitable for technical or descriptive contexts.

sideways

Adverb indicating movement or direction to a side; simpler and more general.

laterally

Single-word adverb describing movement or positioning towards the side, more concise but less descriptive.

in a lateral movement

Noun phrase highlighting a sideways movement, suitable for formal or technical explanations.

from flank to flank

Emphasizes movement between two flanks, suitable for military or animal behavior contexts.

in a transverse direction

Formal, technical term for movement at a right angle to the main axis.

transversely

Adverb indicating movement in a transverse manner, often used in technical or formal contexts.

horizontally

Adverb indicating movement along a horizontal plane, useful in technical descriptions.

across

Simple preposition indicating movement from one point to another on a surface.

FAQs

How can I use "from side to side" in a sentence?

Use "from side to side" to describe movement or orientation involving two sides. For instance, "The pendulum swung from side to side" or "He glanced from side to side, looking for any sign of danger."

What are some alternatives to "from side to side"?

Alternatives include "laterally", "sideways", or "from one side to the other", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "side to side" or "from side to side"?

Both phrases are correct, but "from side to side" typically describes a continuous motion or action involving two sides, while "side to side" can be used as an adjective, such as in "side to side movement".

What's the difference between moving "from side to side" and moving "back and forth"?

Moving "from side to side" implies a lateral motion, while moving "back and forth" implies a forward and backward motion along a line.