on both sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on both sides" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to two opposing groups or two alternatives. For example: "The controversy has created tensions on both sides of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's on both sides".

The New York Times

And on both sides?

The New York Times

Fields on both sides.

The New Yorker

Wrong on both sides.

The New York Times

On both sides.

The New York Times - Books

That's true on both sides.

The New York Times - Sports

There's evidence on both sides.

The New York Times

Omens abound on both sides.

The New York Times - Sports

They exist on both sides.

The New York Times

Ukrainians fought on both sides.

The Economist

"Heavy casualties on both sides.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces, use "on both sides" to vividly depict the arrangement, enhancing clarity and imagery for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "on both sides" when there's a clear imbalance or when one side is overwhelmingly responsible. Oversimplifying complex situations can diminish the impact of critical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on both sides" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate location, perspective, or shared responsibility. Ludwig's examples show its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on both sides" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase indicating shared aspects, reciprocity, or opposing viewpoints. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, from news and media to wikis and formal communications. While generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and to consider if a more precise term would be more appropriate in specific scenarios. Alternatives include "on either side", "mutually", and "bilaterally", each offering slightly different nuances. Ultimately, "on both sides" remains a valuable tool for conveying balance and shared perspectives in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on either side

Indicates a choice between two options, similar to "on both sides", but focuses on the individual options.

between the two

Highlights an action, feeling or object being distributed, present or felt by two entities.

mutually

Highlights the reciprocal nature of an action or feeling, implying it exists "on both sides".

in both directions

Signifies movement or influence occurring from and towards two entities, as "on both sides".

in equal measure

Suggests that something is present or experienced equally by two parties, similar to "on both sides".

from all perspectives

Emphasizes considering different viewpoints, broadening the scope beyond just two sides.

on opposing sides

Highlights contrasting or conflicting viewpoints or groups, stressing their separation more than shared aspect of "on both sides".

reciprocally

Highlights the mutual and interchangeable action/influence between two parties.

bilaterally

Specifically refers to agreements or actions involving two parties, mirroring the two-sided aspect.

for each party

Emphasizes the individual experience of each side, offering a clearer distribution of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "on both sides" to indicate that something affects or is present for two groups or viewpoints. For example, "There was blame "on both sides" of the argument" or "The building had trees "on both sides" of the entrance".

What is a synonym for "on both sides"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "on either side", "mutually", or "bilaterally" to convey a similar meaning to "on both sides".

Is it appropriate to use "on both sides" in formal writing?

Yes, "on both sides" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase used to indicate a shared or reciprocal aspect. However, consider whether a more precise term like "bilaterally" or "reciprocally" would be more suitable depending on the context.

What's the difference between "on both sides" and "on each side"?

"On both sides" implies that there are specifically two sides being considered, while "on each side" can refer to any number of sides or parties involved. For instance, "Negotiations were conducted "on both sides"" suggests exactly two parties, but "security forces were stationed "on each side" of the border" could mean multiple positions along a longer border.