this is just a sideline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is just a sideline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a secondary or less important aspect of a situation or activity. Example: "While my main job is in marketing, this freelance work is just a sideline for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is just a sideline.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Everyone else is just a sideline".

The Guardian

"Presenting is just a sideline of Earl's real focus, which is community building," Ms. Arcade said, stressing the importance of the Delancey's top floor, where a quiet lounge permits conversations to develop and connections to form.

The New York Times

In this transposition Anckarstroem (solidly played by David Kempster) is a military man, and the fortune-teller Madame Arvidson (the seductive Rebecca de Pokint Davies) is a brothel keeper for whom reading palms is just a sideline, and who dabbles in a bit of satanism as well.

The Guardian

Operating the world's largest mutual insurance business (policies totaling $35 billion cover lives of 5 million individuals) is just a sideline".

Forbes

For now, that's just a sideline.

BBC

"The money's just a sideline.

The Guardian - Arts

For some companies, fighting bioterrorism will probably be just a sideline.

The New York Times

The one thing we do know about hockey is, you have to be tough even if you're just a sideline reporter.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike at Fidelity, funds are just a sideline for Safeco Corp., an insurance and financial services outfit in Seattle.

Forbes

Goldstein got his first lesson in the quirkiness of closed-end funds back in August 1987, when his day job was working on construction projects and investing was just a sideline.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is just a sideline", ensure that the main focus of the discussion is clearly established to provide context for the secondary nature of the sideline activity.

Common error

Avoid using "this is just a sideline" when describing activities that actively detract from the main focus; instead, use terms like "distraction" or "digression" to better reflect the negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is just a sideline" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the subject it modifies is of secondary importance or a non-primary focus. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "this is just a sideline" effectively communicates that something is a secondary or less significant aspect of a larger situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially within news and media contexts. While appropriate for general communication, more formal settings may benefit from alternative phrasing. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly establish the primary subject to provide adequate context. Consider that the examples used in Ludwig show that "this is just a sideline" is often used to minimize a statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's just something I do on the side

Indicates a casual and additional activity.

It's merely a side activity

Emphasizes the activity is small and secondary.

It's simply a secondary pursuit

Highlights the pursuit as not the main goal.

It's not my main priority

Directly states the lack of primary focus.

It's only a minor interest

Focuses on the low level of importance.

It's just a supplementary task

Indicates something adds to but is not essential.

It's a peripheral concern

Positions the concern as not central.

It's an auxiliary function

Suggests a helping or supporting role.

It's a non-essential role

Highlights that the role is not compulsory.

It's a part-time endeavor

Denotes the endeavor isn't full commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "this is just a sideline" in a sentence?

You can use "this is just a sideline" to indicate that something is a secondary or less important aspect of a situation. For example, "While my main job is in marketing, this freelance work is just a sideline for me."

What can I say instead of "this is just a sideline"?

You can use alternatives like "it is merely a side activity", "it is simply a secondary pursuit", or "it's only a minor interest", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "this is just a sideline" in formal writing?

While "this is just a sideline" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "supplementary task" or "auxiliary function" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "this is just a sideline" and "this is my passion project"?

"This is just a sideline" suggests a secondary activity that is not the main focus, while "This is my passion project" implies a strong personal interest and dedication, often pursued outside of primary responsibilities.