side meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "side meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a meeting that occurs alongside a main event or conference, often for a specific purpose or discussion. Example: "During the conference, we will have a side meeting to discuss the project updates in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In a lively speech at a side meeting, Aguilar slammed Republicans as only trying to attract Hispanic voters during election campaigns and via obvious "Mariarchi band" gimmicks.

The Guardian

"When there was a quick meeting on the phone, or the side meeting, that's when you felt like maybe business was being done or maybe I was being left out of things".

The New York Times

Mr. Obama takes little risk in appearing briefly at the Copenhagen conference because he and other world leaders punctured expectations for the session 10 days ago in a side meeting of leaders of Pacific nations.

The New York Times

MUNICIPAL ART SOCIETY Saturday at 11 a.m., "Moynihan Station and the West 30s," covers the past and future of the West Side, meeting on the northwest corner of Avenue of the Americas and 30th Street.

The New York Times - Arts

He convened a special side meeting of 17 nations — the G-8 plus China, India and seven other developing nations — that together emit 80percentt of the world's greenhouse gases.

The New York Times

DISTRICT 7: Upper West Side; meeting is usually the first Tuesday of the month; but the next meeting is July 5, 7 p.m.; Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

For instance, Mr. Perry often holds side meetings with leaders from the private sector.

The New York Times

George spent a great deal of his time in side meetings with the parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some world leaders were cursing him quietly all day because he threw off schedules for side meetings.

The New York Times

Single vignettes: This format includes simulations of negotiation preparation meetings, at-the-table negotiations, coaching, facilitative learning, agency dilemmas, side meetings, and approaches to handling difficult people.

Harvard University

Instead, "pretend" stakeholder consultations took place at side meetings hijacked by two or three NGOs, some of which are anti-private sector in their DNA.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "side meeting" when referring to a smaller, often informal, meeting that takes place concurrently with or in relation to a larger, more formal event. This clarifies its role as supplementary to the main agenda.

Common error

Avoid using "side meeting" to describe the primary or most important meeting. Ensure the context clearly indicates that it is a supplementary or related discussion, not the central event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side meeting" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a meeting that is secondary or supplementary to a main event. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "side meeting" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a secondary meeting that occurs alongside a main event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with neutral to professional register. Alternative phrases like "breakout session" or "parallel session" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. To ensure clarity, use "side meeting" only when the meeting is genuinely supplementary to a larger event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ancillary meeting

Replaces "side" with "ancillary", emphasizing the supporting nature of the meeting.

parallel session

Focuses on the simultaneous nature of the meeting, occurring alongside a main event.

breakout session

Highlights the meeting as a separate, smaller group discussion within a larger conference.

subsidiary meeting

Similar to "ancillary meeting", indicating a supporting or secondary role.

informal discussion

Emphasizes the relaxed and unofficial nature of the meeting.

off-the-record conversation

Highlights the confidential or private aspect of the discussion.

private consultation

Focuses on the advisory or guidance aspect of the meeting.

ad hoc meeting

Indicates that the meeting was arranged specifically and spontaneously for a particular purpose.

unofficial talks

Emphasizes the non-formal and non-binding nature of the discussions.

secondary briefing

Highlights the informational nature of the meeting, providing supplementary details.

FAQs

How can I use "side meeting" in a sentence?

You can use "side meeting" to describe a secondary meeting that occurs alongside a main event, such as "During the conference, we scheduled a "side meeting" to discuss specific project details".

What's the difference between a "side meeting" and a main meeting?

A "side meeting" is a supplementary meeting related to a larger event, while the main meeting is the primary event itself. The "ancillary meeting" focuses on specific aspects, often in a more informal setting.

What can I say instead of "side meeting"?

You can use alternatives like "breakout session", "parallel session", or "informal discussion" depending on the specific context.

Is "side meeting" formal or informal?

"Side meeting" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific setting and participants will determine the overall formality of the meeting itself.