on our left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on our left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the position of something relative to the speaker and the listener, typically in a directional context. Example: "As we walked down the street, we noticed a beautiful park on our left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gesturing to the dark mountains on our left, he said one word with a grin: "Kalash".

Huffington Post

On our left, the trail followed Tibbetts Brook, one of the few fresh-water streams in New York City.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, ahead on our left..."...

The New Yorker

Coming up on our left are the Rockies.

The New Yorker

From a transom on our left came a voic.

The New Yorker

I wanted to show the guys on our left and right what we were capable of.

The New York Times

Portico, colonnade, tiled hallway/Open on our left to rain, It will be.

The New Yorker

All five men in the house got tattoos on our left arm with the word mettle".

The New York Times - Sports

When we raise a right hand, the mirror doesn't show a hand raised on our left.

The New York Times - Books

At the top, we get a glimpse of the Shenzhen area on our left.

The New York Times - Travel

The three people sitting on our left like that we like Kölsch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on our left" to clearly indicate a direction relative to the speaker or narrator's perspective. This phrase is effective in guiding readers or listeners through a scene or describing spatial relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "on our left" when the perspective isn't clearly established. Ensure the reader knows who "our" refers to, or the direction will be ambiguous. Consider specifying whose left you are referring to if multiple people are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on our left" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate direction or location relative to the speaker or a group of people ('our'). It helps to orient the listener or reader within a specific context. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on our left" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate direction relative to a group, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to provide spatial orientation and descriptive detail. While alternatives like "to the left of us" exist, "on our left" offers a concise way to guide readers or listeners through a scene. Remember to ensure the perspective is clear to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the left of us

Uses a different preposition and a more explicit reference to "us".

on the left-hand side for us

Adds specificity by mentioning the "left-hand side".

to our near left

Adds the nuance of proximity with "near".

on our immediate left

Emphasizes the immediacy of the location.

on the left side in relation to us

Adds explicit reference to relative location.

on the port side

Uses nautical terminology.

situated on our left

Implies a more permanent or fixed position.

on the larboard side

Uses nautical terminology and is archaic.

to the left of where we are

Expands the phrase to include the concept of location.

leftward of our position

Uses a more formal and directional term.

FAQs

How can I use "on our left" in a sentence?

You can use "on our left" to describe the position of something relative to the speaker or a group, for example, "The mountains were "on our left" as we drove north".

What is an alternative to saying "on our left"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to the left of us" or "on the left-hand side for us", depending on the level of specificity you need.

Is it correct to say "to our left" instead of "on our left"?

Yes, "to our left" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "on our left".

When should I use "on our left" versus "to our left"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable. "On our left" might subtly imply something is directly adjacent, while "to our left" is a more general directional indicator. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.