not taking sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not taking sides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing neutrality or impartiality in a situation or discussion. Example: "In this debate, I aim to remain neutral by not taking sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am not taking sides.

The Guardian

— he says he's not taking sides.

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm not taking sides here -- I'm backing away," he said.

The New York Times

"I'm not taking sides on whether Michigan is right.

The New York Times

"We are not taking sides on this," Mr. Tripp said.

The New York Times

Not taking sides, he says, is the easy part.

The New York Times

The state Republican Party, meanwhile, is not taking sides.

The New York Times

Mr. Zebari insisted that Iraq is not taking sides in the Syria crisis.

The New York Times

Mr. Bolla said the Madison Jackson developers were not taking sides in the eruv debate.

The New York Times

He said the F.B.I. was not taking sides in the strike.

The New York Times

He made clear, however, that he was not taking sides in the Democratic primary race.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not taking sides" when you want to explicitly state your neutrality or impartiality in a dispute, argument, or competition. It's appropriate in professional, journalistic, and personal contexts to convey objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "not taking sides" as an excuse to remain uninformed or disengaged from important issues. Neutrality should stem from a balanced understanding of different perspectives, not from a lack of awareness or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not taking sides" functions as a declaration of neutrality or impartiality. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in contexts where individuals or entities want to convey they are not supporting any particular party in a dispute or conflict. The field 'aiResponseStatus' confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not taking sides" is a common and grammatically correct way to express neutrality or impartiality in a conflict, dispute, or competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While it is important to remain neutral in certain situations, it should not be used as an excuse for indifference. Alternatives such as "remaining neutral" or "staying impartial" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Understanding when and how to use "not taking sides" effectively ensures clear and unbiased communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not choosing a side

A more straightforward way of expressing the same sentiment of neutrality.

remaining neutral

Focuses on the state of being without preference or bias.

staying impartial

Highlights the act of maintaining fairness and objectivity.

refraining from taking sides

Emphasizes the conscious decision to avoid aligning with any particular party.

declining to take sides

Indicates a deliberate refusal to choose a side.

keeping an open mind

Implies a willingness to consider all perspectives without pre-judgment.

sitting on the fence

An idiomatic expression indicating indecision or neutrality.

being non-partisan

Specifically refers to avoiding alignment with any political party or faction.

maintaining objectivity

Stresses the importance of unbiased assessment and judgment.

abstaining from alignment

Formal way of expressing neutrality through the avoidance of affiliation.

FAQs

How can I use "not taking sides" in a sentence?

You can use "not taking sides" to express neutrality. For example, "The mediator made it clear that they were "not taking sides" in the negotiation."

What does it mean to say that someone is "not taking sides"?

Saying someone is "not taking sides" means they are remaining neutral and impartial in a dispute or argument. They are refraining from supporting any particular party involved.

Are there situations where "not taking sides" is inappropriate?

Yes, there are situations where "not taking sides" might be inappropriate, such as when moral or ethical issues are at stake, and a clear stance is necessary to support justice or fairness. In such cases, neutrality could be interpreted as condoning harmful behavior.

What's the difference between "not taking sides" and "being objective"?

"Not taking sides" implies refraining from supporting any particular party in a dispute, while "being objective" involves assessing information and making judgments without bias or personal feelings. While related, objectivity is about the approach to information, and "not taking sides" is about the declared position in a conflict.