on all sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on all sides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is surrounded or affected from every direction or aspect. Example: "The building was surrounded by a beautiful garden on all sides, creating a serene atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Failure on all sides.

The Guardian

I am on all sides, Slippen said.

The New Yorker

The world rushed away on all sides.

The New Yorker

Smells on all sides, bunched together.

The New Yorker

Protests are going up on all sides.

The New York Times

Patience on all sides is wearing thin.

The Economist

Mistrust runs deep on all sides.

The New York Times

Officials on all sides deny this.

The Economist

But competition is emerging on all sides.

The Economist

Paranoia on all sides is rife.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Actually open-on-all-sides.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on all sides", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being surrounded or affected. For instance, "The company faced criticism on all sides" is more effective than simply stating "Criticism was on all sides."

Common error

Avoid using "on all sides" when a more specific description is possible. Instead of saying "Problems arose on all sides", consider specifying the areas where the problems originated, such as "Problems arose in production, marketing, and customer service."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on all sides" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the extent or direction of an action, state, or condition. Ludwig AI shows it can modify verbs, nouns or even entire clauses, indicating a comprehensive or encompassing effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on all sides" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is surrounded or affected from every direction. Grammatically correct and very common, as Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media but is also suitable for formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being surrounded or impacted to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "from every direction" or "all around" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember the power and pervasiveness of this expression to provide clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from every direction

This alternative emphasizes the spatial aspect of being surrounded or approached.

from all angles

This option highlights the different viewpoints or aspects considered.

all around

This is a more general term indicating a surrounding presence or influence.

in every direction

Similar to "from every direction" but with a slightly different emphasis on spatial orientation.

from all perspectives

Focuses specifically on the consideration of multiple viewpoints.

comprehensively

This adverb emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of something.

from every aspect

Highlights that all facets or angles are being taken into account.

universally

Indicates widespread or general agreement or applicability.

in all quarters

Suggests that something is happening or being considered in all relevant groups or areas.

on every front

Implies that action or impact is occurring across multiple areas of engagement or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "on all sides" in a sentence?

You can use "on all sides" to describe something that is surrounded or affected from every direction. For example, "The project faced challenges "on all sides" due to budget constraints and resource limitations."

What are some alternatives to "on all sides"?

Some alternatives to "on all sides" include "from every direction", "all around", or "from all perspectives", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "from all sides" or "on all sides"?

Both "from all sides" and "on all sides" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context, as they carry slightly different connotations. The data shows that "on all sides" is the most frequent expression.

What does "pressure on all sides" mean?

"Pressure on all sides" means that someone or something is experiencing stress or demands from multiple sources or directions. It suggests a situation where there is no easy escape or solution, as the pressure is encompassing.