on the left side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the left side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a direction or location. For example, "The door with the blue frame is on the left side of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Repeat step one on the left side.

WikiHow

Put one on the left side of the wallet.

WikiHow

No such worries on the left side.

The New York Times

The Sun is on the left side.

Cornell University

It'd be on the left side.

The New Yorker

All blocks are available on the left side.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The port is on the left side of the heel.

Independent

Difficult to rate on the left side.

Insights into Imaging

On the left side, click on CTY Online Programs.

Johns Hopkins University

You'll find all the controls on the left side.

TechCrunch

There are two USB-C ports on the left side.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving directions, be specific and combine "on the left side" with landmarks or other identifiers to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the listener's perspective matches yours. Clarify if you're referring to the object's left side or the viewer's left side when facing the object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the left side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying its location relative to a point of reference. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, affirming its role in indicating spatial orientation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

20%

News & Media

19%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the left side" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate spatial orientation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, ranging from informal instructions to more formal descriptions in news, scientific publications, and academic papers. While "on the left side" is generally straightforward, it's crucial to ensure clarity by providing a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "to the left" or "on the left-hand side" can be used for slight variations in tone or emphasis. Overall, understanding the contexts and nuances of this simple phrase can significantly improve clarity in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the left

Simplifies the expression while maintaining the core meaning.

to the left of

Indicates a position relative to something else on the left.

on the left-hand side

Adds a slightly more formal tone by specifying 'hand'.

at the left

A more concise way of indicating the location.

towards the left

Indicates direction rather than a fixed location.

on the port side

Uses nautical terminology for 'left' when referring to a vessel.

to the larboard

Uses an archaic nautical term synonymous with 'port side'.

leftward

Expresses a movement or direction toward the left.

on the near side

Refers to the side closer to the speaker, assuming the left is nearer.

at the flank

Implies being positioned on the side, specifically the left flank.

FAQs

How do I use "on the left side" in a sentence?

Use "on the left side" to indicate a location relative to a reference point. For example, "The entrance is on the left side of the building."

What can I say instead of "on the left side"?

You can use alternatives like "to the left", "on the left-hand side", or "at the left" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "on the left side"?

While grammatically correct, "on the left side" can be ambiguous if the reference point isn't clear. Ensure the context makes the point of reference obvious.

How can I make "on the left side" more precise?

Add more detail. For example, "on the left side, just past the oak tree" provides a clearer reference than just "on the left side".