on its Side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on its side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the position of an object that is lying horizontally rather than upright. Example: "The book fell off the shelf and landed on its side."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

CardPool also has talent on its side.

TechCrunch

Putting it on its side won't help it ripen.

WikiHow

Turn one hand on its side.

WikiHow

Lay it on its side.

WikiHow

Turn it on its side.

WikiHow

Hit it on its side with a hammer.

WikiHow

Wash the watermelon and lay it on its side.

WikiHow

Take the toaster and turn it on its side.

WikiHow

Laying it on its side usually gives the best view.

WikiHow

You may want to place it on its side.

WikiHow

The company has one important thing on its side: planning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the orientation of an object, be specific about which side is facing up or down to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the box was on its side", specify "the box was on its left side, with the label facing up".

Common error

Avoid using "on its side" when the object is naturally designed to be used in a horizontal position. For instance, describing a table as "on its side" would be incorrect, as tables are meant to be used with the flat surface facing up.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on its side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to describe the orientation or position of an object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, often following verbs like "lay", "place", or "turn" to indicate a change or state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

58%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on its side" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe an object's orientation, especially when it deviates from its usual upright position. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in both news articles and instructional wiki content. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it when the horizontal position is the object's intended state. Remember to use "its" (possessive) and not "it's" (contraction). To provide greater detail, consider alternatives such as "lying horizontally" or "tilted over".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying horizontally

Focuses on the physical orientation, emphasizing the horizontal position.

tilted over

Describes the action of leaning or tipping, suggesting instability.

leaning against

Highlights the act of relying on something for support.

overturned

Emphasizes the state of being flipped or reversed.

rolled over

Describes a rotational movement ending in a side position.

on its flank

More specific to animals or objects with a distinct side.

laterally positioned

A more formal way of describing a sideways placement.

in a reclining position

Suggests a relaxed or restful state of lying sideways.

prone to tilting

Indicates a susceptibility to falling or leaning.

unstable equilibrium

Highlights the precarious balance of an object.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on its side" to be more descriptive?

Consider alternatives like "lying horizontally", "tilted over", or "leaning against" to provide a more vivid picture. For instance, "lying horizontally" specifies the orientation, while "tilted over" suggests instability.

Is it always appropriate to use "on its side" to describe an object's position?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "on its side" when the normal or expected position of the object is upright. For example, describing a fallen tree as being "on its side" is correct, but it would be odd to describe a book lying flat on a table that way.

Which is the correct phrase, "on it's side" or "on its side"?

"On its side" is correct. "Its" is the possessive form of "it", indicating that the side belongs to the object. "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" and is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between saying something is "on its side" versus saying it is "lying down"?

Saying something is "on its side" specifically indicates a deviation from its usual upright position. "Lying down" is a more general term that can apply to anything in a horizontal position, whether it's typically upright or not. Therefore, the first implies more of a change in state.