take his side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take his side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing support or agreement with someone's opinion or position in a disagreement or conflict. Example: "In the argument between Sarah and Tom, I decided to take his side because I believed he was right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He thought we would take his side against the Sunnis".

The New York Times

And it isn't just the anonymous hordes who take his side.

The New York Times

The locals take his side and cry out, but to no effect.

The New Yorker

She then abused him and other students who tried to take his side.

Independent

But Mr Gove's view is not friendless; Mr Osborne, among others, tends to take his side.

The Economist

You Sais, all the same" — it's hard not to take his side.

The New York Times - Books

Executives who hesitated to take his side were easily cast as villains.

Harvard Business Review

I wouldn't want to see a critical sword raised against him; I'd take his side.

The New Yorker

In an interview to Spain's El País newspaper, Guaidó repeated an appeal to Venezuela's armed forces to take his side.

The Guardian

And make it clear when talking to him that you are not there to take his side or to adjudicate the breakup.

The New York Times - Magazine

Without admitting it openly, he likes to be liked, and along with most Serbs, he has high hopes that the Trump administration will take his side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take his side", ensure the context clearly indicates the issue or conflict in which the support is being offered. For example, "Despite the evidence, she decided to take his side in the argument."

Common error

Ensure that the context clarifies why you "take his side". Without sufficient background, it may be unclear which specific aspect or argument you are supporting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take his side" functions as a verb phrase indicating support for a particular person in a disagreement or conflict. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to express alignment with someone's viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take his side" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to express support or agreement with someone, primarily in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to express backing someone's opinion. When using the phrase, ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "side with him" or "stand by him", can be used to add nuance or variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

side with him

This alternative is a more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of choosing a side.

be on his side

This alternative is a more passive way of expressing support.

support him

This alternative directly implies providing assistance or encouragement.

stand by him

This phrase suggests loyalty and unwavering support during a difficult situation.

back him up

This alternative is an informal way of saying support him.

give him my backing

This indicates formally offering support or approval.

defend his position

This means protecting his viewpoint from criticism.

rally behind him

This implies actively gathering support from others for him.

show solidarity with him

This means expressing unity and agreement with his stance.

champion his cause

This suggests advocating for his beliefs or interests.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take his side"?

To "take his side" means to support or agree with someone, especially in a dispute or disagreement. It implies aligning yourself with their perspective or position.

What can I say instead of "take his side"?

You can use alternatives like "side with him", "support him", or "stand by him" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "take his side" and "be on his side"?

While similar, "take his side" often implies a conscious decision to support someone in a specific instance, whereas "be on his side" suggests a more general or ongoing allegiance.

How to use "take his side" in a sentence?

Example: "Even though he was wrong, she chose to "take his side" because he was her brother." Another example: "The community tended to "take his side" in disputes with outsiders."