one on either side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one on either side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there are two items or individuals positioned on opposite sides of a central point or object. Example: "The statue stood tall in the middle of the square, with one on either side, creating a balanced and harmonious display."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From this bonelike tissue, three conical cusps, a tall central one and two smaller ones, one on either side, arose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two palaestrae, one on either side – matching rooms symmetrically disposed around the central building block.

Yale University

These are the doors into the two cells, one on either side.

Yale University

Each transect consisted of two parallel lines, one on either side of the road.

Biological Conservation

Privately, no one on either side expected her to disqualify herself.

The New York Times

I grow sarcococcas at home in huge pots, one on either side of our front door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one on either side, debutants included, will be as grateful to be involved.

The Guardian - Sport

There were only two seats available in the place, one on either side of him.

The New Yorker

Virtually no one on either side believed that an agreement could be reached.

The New Yorker

"There's no one on either side of me to protect myself".

The New York Times - Sports

No one on either side could recall any precedent for challenging a ban.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one on either side" to clearly indicate the placement of two distinct items relative to a central point or object. This phrase is useful for descriptions requiring spatial precision.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject performing the action is unclear. Instead of saying 'It was placed one on either side', specify who or what did the placing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one on either side" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying its location or arrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its application in describing spatial arrangements and symmetrical positioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one on either side" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe symmetrical arrangements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across diverse contexts, from academic writing to news reports. Key alternatives include "on both sides" and "on each side". When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is doing the placing and avoid passive voice constructions. With a neutral tone, this phrase effectively communicates spatial relationships and symmetry in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on both sides

Focuses on the presence on two sides without specifying a singular item on each.

on each side

Highlights the individual sides, implying a separate entity on each.

one to each side

Specifies the allocation or distribution to each side.

one on each flank

Emphasizes a protective or strategic positioning.

one flanking each side

Highlights the action of flanking or bordering.

situated on opposite sides

Indicates the location of objects being on opposing sides.

positioned on either flank

Suggests a strategic placement on the sides.

arranged on opposing sides

Highlights the act of arranging items in opposition.

located on respective sides

Implies that the sides belong or relate to something specific.

set on either hand

This implies the positioning of something on each hand.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "one on either side"?

You can use alternatives like "on both sides", "on each side", or "one on each flank" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "one on each side" or "one on either side"?

Both "one on each side" and "one on either side" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey, but they are largely interchangeable.

In what contexts is "one on either side" commonly used?

The phrase "one on either side" is commonly used to describe the arrangement of objects, people, or features symmetrically placed around a central point in various contexts, including spatial descriptions, design, and strategic positioning.

What is the difference between "one on either side" and "one flanking each side"?

"One on either side" simply indicates a position on both sides, while "one flanking each side" suggests a protective or bordering function. The latter implies a more active role of guarding or supporting.