on every side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on every side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is surrounded or encompassed by something else from all directions. Example: "The garden was beautiful, with flowers blooming on every side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it comes to the fat ones on every side, pull the first one.

WikiHow

There are some arguments on every side, except of course the one on which Representative Walden is swinging.

The New York Times

Frantic shrieks rose on every side, and the young ladies, with one consent, crowded over the benches and desks toward the doors.

Stanford University

It was fought with grim determination on every side.

Columbia University

But on every side the city is empty.

The Economist

On every side is evidence of man's inhumanity to man.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have navy ships on every side and helicopters ahead.

The Guardian

There was a toll on every side," he said.

The Guardian

On every side, there is evidence of a wipeout.

The Guardian - Opinion

He must be confused, and feel besieged on every side".

The New York Times

On every side the unthinkable is thought, the unsayable said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on every side" to create a sense of being completely surrounded or influenced, adding emphasis to the encompassing nature of the situation. For instance, "The media attention was intense, with cameras flashing on every side."

Common error

Avoid using "on every side" repetitively in your writing; vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by using synonyms like "on all sides" or "from every direction" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on every side" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate location or direction from all sides. As supported by Ludwig, it describes something being surrounded or influenced from all directions. It provides context by specifying the spatial relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on every side" is a common and versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is surrounded or influenced from all directions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While "on every side" is mostly present in News & Media sources, it can also be found in academia. When writing, you can emphasize the comprehensive nature of a situation using the phrase but avoid overuse by using synonyms such as "on all sides" or "from every direction". Ultimately, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing a sense of being completely enveloped or affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on all sides

A more common and direct synonym, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the surrounding.

from every direction

Focuses on the origin or source of action or influence.

all around

A simpler, more informal way to indicate being surrounded.

on each side

Emphasizes the individual sides rather than a unified surrounding.

in every direction

Highlights the spatial distribution of something.

surrounding completely

Highlights the act of surrounding.

encompassing all

More formal, emphasizes completeness and inclusion.

from every angle

Emphasizes different perspectives or viewpoints.

besieged from all directions

Implies being under attack or pressure from everywhere.

hemmed in by

Suggests a feeling of being confined or restricted.

FAQs

How can I use "on every side" in a sentence?

Use "on every side" to describe a situation where something is surrounded or affected from all directions. For example, "The city was beautiful, with parks visible on every side."

What phrases are similar to "on every side"?

Alternatives include "on all sides", "from every direction", or "all around", depending on the specific context.

Is "on every side" interchangeable with "on each side"?

While similar, "on every side" implies a complete surrounding, whereas "on each side" emphasizes individual sides. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the totality or the distinct sides.

What is the difference between "on every side" and "surrounded by"?

"On every side" is a prepositional phrase that indicates location or direction from all sides, while "surrounded by" is a verb phrase that emphasizes the action of being encircled or enclosed.