on its side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on its side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to how something is positioned. For example, you might say, "The book was lying on its side on the ground."

✓ 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 provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on it's side" which is a common misspelling. Remember that "its" indicates possession, while "it's" is a contraction of "it is."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on its side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or noun to describe the orientation or position of an object. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

45%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on its side" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the orientation of an object, indicating that it is positioned laterally rather than upright. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While perfectly acceptable, be mindful of using the incorrect "it's" and consider if a more precise term might enhance clarity. The phrase is widely understood and effectively conveys spatial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sideways

This alternative is a single-word adjective describing the same orientation.

on the side

This alternative is shorter and slightly less specific but still conveys the general idea of being positioned to the side.

to the side

This alternative emphasizes the direction or location relative to a central point.

on its flank

This alternative uses "flank" to describe a lateral position, implying a more specific anatomical or spatial context.

tilted over

This alternative suggests an action or process of leaning to one side.

laid horizontally

This alternative specifies the orientation as horizontal, focusing on the plane of alignment.

in a lateral position

This alternative provides a more formal and technical description of the side orientation.

keeled over

This alternative suggests a more drastic tilting or overturning, often used for boats or ships.

listing

This alternative implies a leaning or tilting, especially due to imbalance or damage.

at an angle

This alternative describes the orientation using a geometric relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "on its side" to describe the position of an object. For example, "The overturned truck was lying "on its side" near the highway."

What does "on its side" mean?

"On its side" indicates that an object is positioned so that its side is facing upwards or outwards, rather than its top or bottom.

Are there any alternatives to saying "on its side"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "sideways", "on the side", or "laid horizontally" depending on the context. For example, instead of "The painting fell "on its side"", you could say "The painting fell sideways".

Is it ever incorrect to use "on its side"?

The phrase "on its side" is generally correct. However, ensure that the context is appropriate. For instance, it might sound awkward if a more precise term like "horizontal" would be more fitting.