in the side of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the side of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of being located at the side of something or someone. For example, "She walked past the tree and found a small box tucked in the side of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They shot him in the side of the head.

The Guardian

But hiding it in the side of a mountain is.

The New York Times - Magazine

Homburg, bowtie, stogie stuck in the side of the mouth?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the side of his head was a bullet hole.

The New York Times

She got shot in the side of her head.

The New Yorker

Yet a man of principle is always a thorn in the side of authoritarian forces.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Put it in the side of your mouth," he tells me.

The New York Times

Asked if she was a burr in the side of Turnbull, Abbott responded "of course not".

The Guardian

Poke two holes in the side of the tissue box.

WikiHow

They escape from them spectacularly though a blowhole in the side of a volcano.

The Guardian

Moore has been a prominent thorn in the side of the current Liberal state government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the side of" when specifying a location or feature that is part of or within the lateral aspect of an object or structure. For example, "The entrance is in the side of the building."

Common error

Avoid using "in the side of" when "on the side of" is more appropriate. "On the side of" is generally used for external features or surfaces, while "in the side of" is used for internal or embedded features. Use "on the side of the road" rather than "in the side of the road".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the side of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating location or position. Ludwig shows this function through examples like "shot him in the side of the head" or "a hole appears in the side of the boat".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the side of" is a common prepositional phrase used to denote a location within the lateral aspect of an object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, offering spatial specification. Related phrases include "on the side of" and "at the side of", each with subtle differences in meaning. When writing, remember to differentiate "in the side of" from "on the side of", as the former indicates containment, while the latter implies being on a surface. With its widespread use, understanding the nuances of "in the side of" can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the side of

This alternative uses 'on' instead of 'in', implying a surface location rather than within something.

at the side of

Replacing 'in' with 'at' provides a slightly more general indication of location.

to the side of

Using 'to' indicates a directional relationship to the side.

along the side of

This option emphasizes a position running parallel to the side.

adjacent to the side of

This is a more formal way of saying 'next to the side of', indicating close proximity.

beside the side of

Offers an alternative, yet very similar way to express 'next to'.

flanking the side of

Implies positioning on either side, acting as a border.

bordering the side of

Refers to being situated at the edge or boundary of the side.

abutting the side of

Denotes physical touching or bordering of the side.

near the side of

Expresses that the element is not exactly on the side, but close to it.

FAQs

How is "in the side of" used in a sentence?

The phrase "in the side of" indicates a location or feature within the lateral aspect of something. For example: "There's a small pocket "in the side of" my backpack."

What phrases are similar to "in the side of"?

Alternatives include "on the side of", "at the side of", or "to the side of", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always correct to use "in the side of" instead of "on the side of"?

No, "in the side of" and "on the side of" have different meanings. "In the side of" suggests being contained within the side, while "on the side of" refers to being on the surface or adjacent to it.

When should I use "at the side of" instead of "in the side of"?

Use "at the side of" when you mean 'next to' or 'near' the side, rather than 'contained within' the side. For example, "Park the car at the side of the road", not "in the side of the road".