move to the side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move to the side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to shift their position laterally, often to create space or avoid obstruction. Example: "Please move to the side so that the emergency vehicles can pass through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

If they still want to set up, I just move to the side.

The New York Times

An officer ordered him to move to the side of the road and, when the man disobeyed, pepper-sprayed him.

The Economist

If the body and mind can't compete at the same time, then I got to move to the side and watch these younger guys play".

The New York Times - Sports

Fàbregas would surely have produced a better finish but, equally, his reluctance to move to the side might be the very reason Kanté slashed the shot wide.

The Guardian - Sport

Move to the side of the pan and cook the slices of cheese for no more than a minute on each side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ultimately, advocates on both sides believe that Americans will move to the side that is able to shape how they perceive abortion itself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

defer.add img); Move to the sides of the sofa next.

WikiHow

Once folded, the old array will eventually be moved to the side of the station.

The New York Times

The latest flight demonstrated more pronounced steering maneuvers in moving to the side.

The New York Times - Science

Storage has been moved to the side of the plane in smaller "cubbies".

Independent

she betrays them and moves to the side of the state," Prestipino, the prosecutor, said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "move to the side", ensure your tone is polite and clear, especially in crowded environments. A simple "Excuse me, could you move to the side, please?" is often effective.

Common error

Avoid using "move to the side" when a more specific direction is needed. For example, instead of saying "move to the side", specify "move to your left" or "move further down the sidewalk" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move to the side" functions primarily as an imperative, instructing someone to change their position laterally. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, and its examples show a clear and direct way to command or request someone to shift their position.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move to the side" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for instructing someone to shift their position laterally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and practical phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its register remains mostly neutral, suitable for various settings. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity and politeness for effective communication. For alternatives, consider options such as "step aside" or "make way", depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step aside

This is a shorter and more direct command to move laterally.

shift over

Implies moving a short distance to create space.

make way

Indicates that someone should move to allow passage.

give way

Similar to "make way", but can also imply yielding precedence.

pull over

Specifically used in the context of vehicles moving to the side of the road.

move laterally

A more formal and technical way of saying "move to the side".

edge over

Suggests a gradual and careful movement to the side.

clear the way

Emphasizes the removal of an obstruction.

divert

Implies changing course to avoid something, often temporarily.

retire

This implies withdrawing from a position or role, figuratively "moving to the side" in a broader sense.

FAQs

How can I use "move to the side" in a sentence?

You can use "move to the side" when asking someone to shift their position. For example, "Please "move to the side" so that the emergency vehicles can pass".

What's a more formal way to say "move to the side"?

A more formal way to say "move to the side" is to use phrases like "step aside" or "make way", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "move to the side"?

It's appropriate to use "move to the side" in situations where someone is obstructing a path or view, or when space needs to be created. For example, asking someone to "move to the side" in a crowded hallway.

What's the difference between "move to the side" and "pull over"?

"Move to the side" is a general instruction to shift laterally, while "pull over" specifically refers to a vehicle moving to the side of the road.