on his side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on his side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate support or alignment with someone in a situation or context. Example: "During the debate, he made sure to express that he was firmly on his side, advocating for the same policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Logic is on his side.

The New York Times

Time was on his side.

The New York Times

She was on his side.

The New York Times

The people are on his side.

The Economist

Time was not on his side.

Independent

History is hardly on his side.

The Economist

The numbers are on his side.

Independent

And time is not on his side.

The Economist

He also has size on his side.

Independent

Islamic law was on his side.

The New Yorker

"He was lying on his side".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on his side" to clearly indicate support or alignment with a particular person or cause. It's a straightforward way to show where your allegiance lies.

Common error

Avoid using "on his side" when referring to a general sentiment or abstract concept. This phrase is most effective when indicating direct support for an individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on his side" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating support, agreement, or alignment with a particular person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on his side" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It primarily functions to express support or alignment with an individual, particularly in contexts involving conflict or debate. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, and it is especially prevalent in news and media sources. Alternative phrases like "supporting him" or "in his corner" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting him

Focuses on the action of providing support.

in his corner

Implies active support and advocacy, especially in a challenging situation.

standing by him

Highlights unwavering support, especially during difficult times.

allied with him

Suggests a formal or strategic alliance.

on his team

Indicates membership in a group working towards a common goal.

backing him

Highlights the act of providing resources or endorsement.

siding with him

Implies a decision to support him over others.

agreeing with him

Emphasizes alignment in opinion or belief.

advocating for him

Implies active promotion and defense of his cause or position.

favoring him

Suggests a preference or bias towards him.

FAQs

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

You can use "on his side" to indicate support or agreement with someone. For example, "During the debate, he made sure to express that he was firmly on his side, advocating for the same policies."

What are some alternatives to saying "on his side"?

Alternatives include "supporting him", "in his corner", or "allied with him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on his side" or should I use another preposition?

"On his side" is the correct and idiomatic preposition to use. Other prepositions would not convey the same meaning of support or allegiance.

What does it mean to be "on his side" in a conflict?

Being "on his side" in a conflict means you are supporting his position, arguments, or actions, often in opposition to another party. It implies a sense of loyalty and advocacy.