on the side of

USAGE SUMMARY

'on the side of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to indicate that something is located on a particular side or part of something else. For example: "The galaxy print was on the side of the t-shirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Err on the side of kindness.

The New Yorker

On the side of a hill.

The New Yorker

They are on the side of truth.

The New Yorker

Err on the side of being together.

The New Yorker

It is on the side of hope.

The New York Times

3. Err on the side of caution.

Harvard University

Demographics are on the side of labour.

The Guardian

You are on the side of people.

The Guardian

Err on the side of communicating clearly.

Harvard Business Review

"I fought on the side of Mali.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They're on the side of the winners".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs or nouns to specify the type of support, such as 'advocating for' or 'a proponent of', if precision is required.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by providing clear context when using "on the side of". If referring to a viewpoint, clarify this to prevent misinterpretation as a physical location. For example, say "on the side of the argument" instead of just "on the side".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the side of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that indicates either support for a cause or entity, or a physical location relative to something else. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the side of" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to express support, alignment, or physical location. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news and media, academia, and wiki sources, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Key alternatives include "in support of", "favoring", and "aligned with". Remember to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity between physical and ideological meanings. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "on the side of" to convey their intended message with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting

Highlights the act of giving assistance.

in support of

Focuses on active backing or advocacy.

backing

Stresses active support.

favoring

Emphasizes a preference or inclination.

aligned with

Highlights agreement or correspondence.

in agreement with

Focuses on shared opinions or views.

partial to

Indicates a fondness or liking.

leaning towards

Suggests a tendency or inclination.

on behalf of

Emphasizes acting as a representative.

next to

Highlights physical proximity rather than support.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the side of" to indicate support for something or someone, as in "I'm on the side of the investors". It can also refer to a physical location, such as "Park on the side of the road".

What are some alternatives to "on the side of"?

Alternatives include "in support of", "favoring", or "aligned with", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "err on the side of"?

Use "err on the side of" when you want to emphasize choosing the safer or more cautious option, as in "err on the side of caution".

What's the difference between "on the side of" and "on behalf of"?

"On the side of" typically indicates support or alignment, while "on behalf of" means acting as a representative or agent for someone. For example, "I'm on the side of the workers" versus "I'm speaking on behalf of the workers".