roll to one side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roll to one side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being instructed to move or shift their body to a lateral position, often in a physical or medical setting. Example: "To relieve the pressure on your back, please roll to one side and rest for a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The arrangement of the channels directs fluid, capturing cells of interest via "cell rolling," a phenomenon by which cells roll to one side of a channel, attracted by a wall's surface coating.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Initially, the player controlling the warrior tried to roll to one side of them and attack from behind.

The Guardian - Tech

"If you put everyone on an unlevel playing field that does kind of tend to make the marbles roll to one side," says Osborne.

Yale University

This was likely a result of a combination of the beam not being exactly flush with its reaction point and the load not being applied in the direct center of the beam causing the beam to roll to one side slightly before coming to a rest, giving the initial deflection.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The videos showed that the flies could roll to one side by 90 degrees or even more as they made these turns, almost bringing them upside down.

Los Angeles Times

Stretch out your spine and hips, then roll to one side and get up off the floor.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"So I grabbed and hung on" as the boat rolled to one side and righted itself.

Los Angeles Times

Then the airplane nose pitched up, then down, as the airplane rolled to one side.

The New York Times

He saw the car had rolled to one side with the right headlight buried in the mud.

The Washington Post

Russian Navy officials acknowledged in interviews today that most of the crew may have perished in the first hours of the disaster, when an explosion apparently ripped through the forward compartment of the submarine, sending the 14,000-ton vessel crashing into the seabed, where it rolled to one side.

The New York Times

Then I slipped off his bridle, put on his halter and held the lead rope while he rolled, first to one side and then to the other.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to change position for medical reasons, use "roll to one side" to clearly communicate the desired movement. For example, "To check for bedsores, gently help the patient "roll to one side".

Common error

Avoid using "roll to one side" when a simple shift or lean is intended. "Lean to one side" is more appropriate when the movement does not involve a full rotation of the body.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roll to one side" functions primarily as an instructional verb phrase. It directs someone or something to perform the action of turning onto their side. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "roll to one side" is a common and grammatically sound instruction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, directing a lateral movement. It finds frequent use in news, wikis, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects a full rotation onto one's side, rather than a simple lean or shift. Alternatives such as "turn onto one's side" or "shift to one side" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn onto one's side

Uses "turn onto" instead of "roll to", emphasizing the action of turning.

shift to one side

Replaces "roll" with "shift", suggesting a smaller, less pronounced movement.

move to one side

Employs the general verb "move", indicating a change in position to the side.

lean to one side

Suggests tilting or inclining the body to one side, rather than a full roll.

recline to one side

Implies a more relaxed or restful movement to one side.

incline to one side

Similar to "lean", but suggests a more deliberate or controlled movement.

pivot to one side

Indicates a turning motion around a fixed point towards one side.

swing to one side

Suggests a broader, more sweeping motion to one side.

veer to one side

Implies a sudden or unexpected change in direction to one side.

tip to one side

Suggests a slight, often unintentional, movement to one side.

FAQs

How can I use "roll to one side" in a sentence?

You can use "roll to one side" to describe a movement where someone turns their body onto their side, such as "The doctor asked the patient to "roll to one side" so he could examine their back."

What's a good alternative to "roll to one side"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "turn onto one's side" or "shift to one side".

Is it correct to say "rolled on one side" instead of "roll to one side"?

"Rolled on one side" is grammatically correct but has a slightly different meaning. It describes the state of something that is already positioned on its side, while "roll to one side" describes the action of moving something onto its side.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "roll to one side"?

It's appropriate to use "roll to one side" in situations where you are giving instructions or describing the action of turning a person or object onto their side, such as in medical procedures, physical therapy, or when describing an accident.