on the left wing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the left wing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to politics, sports, or physical positioning to indicate a location or alignment with left-leaning ideologies or positions. Example: "The candidate is known for her progressive policies and is often associated with the left wing of the political spectrum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Martin was by himself on the left wing, one-on-one with Duncan.

The New York Times - Sports

His favoured positions are either at left back or on the left wing.

Wikipedia

Townsend, who operates on the left wing, has scored one goal in seven appearances for Spurs this season.

BBC

I can play on the left wing.

Independent

6 Michael Krohn-Dehli Outstanding on the left wing.

Independent

"Will he be on the left wing?

The Guardian - Sport

Keep an eye on his footwork on the left wing.

Independent

88 min: Johnson brings Novakovic down on the left wing.

The Guardian - Sport

Elias played on the left wing of Arnott.

The New York Times - Sports

A better performance, certainly, than his forays on the left wing.

Independent

Another surprise was that Brad Richards, usually a center, practiced on the left wing Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the left wing" to describe political ideologies, ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific political spectrum you are referring to. Different countries and regions may have varying interpretations of what constitutes the "left wing."

Common error

Avoid using "on the left wing" in a political context when you are literally describing the left side of something physical. For example, don't say "The protesters on the left wing of the demonstration carried signs" if you simply mean they were standing on the left side.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the left wing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a position, direction, or affiliation. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, this can be literal (referring to the left side of an object) or figurative (denoting a political ideology or stance).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the left wing" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a location, direction, or ideological stance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While its formality can vary, it's essential to consider the context to avoid confusion between literal and figurative uses. Whether describing a sports position, political leaning, or physical location, this phrase serves to specify a position relative to a central point or spectrum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the left-hand side

Replaces "wing" with the more descriptive "left-hand side."

situated on the left

Emphasizes the physical placement or location on the left side.

at the left edge

Focuses on the placement at the very edge on the left.

on the port side

Replaces "left wing" with a nautical term for the left side of a vessel.

on the left flank

Replaces "wing" with "flank", suggesting a military or strategic position on the left.

to the left of center

Substitutes "wing" with "center", indicating a position slightly to the left politically.

toward the left extremity

Highlights the position being at the extreme left.

on the larboard side

Uses an archaic nautical term for the left side.

leaning leftward

Indicates a direction or inclination towards the left.

on the sinister side

Employs "sinister", an archaic term for left, offering a formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "on the left wing" in a sentence?

The phrase "on the left wing" can describe a position in sports, politics, or a literal location. For example, "The player operates on the left wing", "He is a member of the left wing of the party", or "The engine blew on the left wing of the plane".

What is an alternative to saying "on the left wing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "on the left side", "to the left of", or, in a political context, "left-leaning".

In politics, what does "on the left wing" mean?

In politics, "on the left wing" generally refers to individuals or groups who hold more progressive or socialist views, typically advocating for social equality, government intervention in the economy, and civil rights.

How does "on the left wing" differ from "on the right wing"?

"On the left wing" refers to left-leaning or progressive political ideologies, while "on the right wing" refers to right-leaning or conservative ideologies. These terms represent opposite ends of the political spectrum.