opposite sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposite sides" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe two entities that are positioned across from each other or in contrast. An example is: "The two teams were on opposite sides of the field." Alternative expressions include "contrasting sides" and "reverse sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, they're on opposite sides.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They're on opposite sides of the island.

Yale University

They are sort of opposite sides of the same coin.

Independent

Citizens were stranded on opposite sides of the riverbank.

The New York Times

With Dad and me, same story: opposite sides of Stonewall.

The New Yorker

Johns have found themselves on opposite sides of an issue.

The New York Times

Uniquely, cabinet ministers were allowed to campaign on opposite sides.

The Guardian

Iran and Syria, now allies, would be on opposite sides.

The New York Times

"But we see ourselves on opposite sides of a divide.

The New York Times

"We've had clients on opposite sides," Ms. Molinari said.

The New York Times

But they're just opposite sides of the same coin".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing opposing viewpoints or arguments, use "opposite sides" to clearly indicate a dichotomy. For example: "The debate highlighted the perspectives from "opposite sides" of the issue".

Common error

Avoid using "opposite sides" when a more nuanced term like "different perspectives" or "alternative approaches" would be more appropriate. "Opposite sides" can sometimes imply a more adversarial or polarized situation than intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposite sides" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to two entities that are positioned or considered to be in opposition or contrast. Ludwig AI provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

20%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opposite sides" is a frequently used noun phrase that indicates contrast, separation, or opposition. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from describing physical locations to abstract ideas. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to consider the connotation and choose the most appropriate term to accurately reflect the intended meaning. The "aiResponseStatus" indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, as validated by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposing sides

Emphasizes the adversarial nature or conflict between the two sides.

contrasting sides

Highlights the differences and disparities between the two sides.

distant sides

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical distance separating the two sides.

opposing factions

Specifically refers to groups or parties in conflict or disagreement.

reverse sides

Highlights the back and front, or alternative perspectives.

other sides

Indicates different perspectives or aspects of a situation or object.

far apart

Emphasizes the separation or disagreement between entities.

at odds

Indicates conflict or disagreement between the sides.

diametrically opposed

Emphasizes the complete opposition between the two sides.

across from each other

Focuses on the spatial arrangement of two entities facing one another.

FAQs

How can I use "opposite sides" in a sentence?

You can use "opposite sides" to describe physical locations (e.g., "They live on "opposite sides of town"") or abstract concepts (e.g., "The two candidates are on "opposite sides of the issue"").

What's a good alternative to "opposite sides"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "opposing sides", "contrasting sides", or "different perspectives".

Is it correct to say "on the opposite side" instead of "on opposite sides"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "On the opposite side" refers to a single side that is opposite to something else, while "on opposite sides" indicates that there are two distinct sides involved.

When should I use "opposing sides" versus "opposite sides"?

"Opposing sides" often implies a conflict or disagreement, while "opposite sides" can simply refer to spatial separation or differing viewpoints without necessarily indicating conflict. For example, teams in a competition are on "opposing sides", while houses across a street are on "opposite sides of the street".