on the lower side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the lower side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is positioned or located at a lower level or beneath something else. Example: "The temperature is on the lower side of the average range for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the photo, though only one suture was on the upper side, another suture was on the lower side.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

On the lower side the midrib is often prominent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Possibly a gurmi since scratch marks on the lower side of hide indicates strumming.

Yale University

One of them plunged through the gates and sank on the lower side.

The New Yorker

On the lower side of Hylan, the outwash plain descends to marshes, beaches, and the ocean.

The New Yorker

Similarly, black bars on the lower side show the frequency distribution of "unfavorable" sequences.

Harvard Business Review

In other instances, expanded plates on the lower side (sternum) form the pouches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was charging $900, which she said was on the lower side for lakefront property.

The New York Times

The migrated cells on the lower side of the membrane were fixed by 10% formalin and stained with eosin.

Nature

The air inlet gap is located on the lower side of the right vertical wall of the cavity.

Energy

It is shown that on the lower side it is bounded by the aerodynamic characteristics of the launcher.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the lower side" to describe a numerical range, ensure the context clearly establishes what constitutes the 'upper side' for comparison. For instance, "The estimate came in on the lower side of the projected budget." clarifies that the actual value was less than anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "on the lower side" without a clear point of reference. Saying something is "on the lower side" is meaningless without specifying what it is lower than. For example, instead of saying "The quality was on the lower side", specify "The quality was on the lower side compared to previous batches."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the lower side" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a relative position, value, or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples show it describing quantities, physical locations and comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the lower side" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate a position, value, or state that is less than something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase sees frequent usage across scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, ensure there is a clear point of reference. You can use alternatives like "at the bottom", "at the low end", or "at a lower level" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a lower level

Specifies a reduced or less elevated state.

at the low end

Highlights the lowest part of a range or scale.

at the bottom

Focuses specifically on the lowest physical position.

on the underside

Emphasizes the bottom surface of an object.

underneath

Indicates a position directly below something else, often with a sense of being covered.

below

A more concise way to indicate a lower position or value.

inferior to

Directly states a lower quality or status.

on the downside

Highlights the negative aspects or consequences.

at a disadvantage

Shifts the meaning to a state of being in a less favorable position.

in the minority

Implies being part of a smaller group, often in opposition to a larger one.

FAQs

How can I use "on the lower side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the lower side" to indicate a quantity, quality, or position that is less than another. For example, "The turnout was "on the lower side" than expected" or "The apartment is "on the lower side" of the building".

What is a good alternative to "on the lower side"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at the bottom", "at the low end", or "at a lower level". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "on the lower side" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "on the lower side" when you want to indicate that something is less than an expected or average value, or when describing a physical position that is below something else. Ensure there's a clear reference point for comparison.

Is there a difference between saying "on the lower side" and "below"?

While both indicate a lower position or value, "on the lower side" often implies a comparison within a range or relative to an expectation. "Below" is more general and can simply indicate a position that is lower than another point. For example: "The temperature was "on the lower side" of normal" versus "The apartment is located below the tenth floor".