to one side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to one side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being moved or placed away from the center or main area, often to create space or to separate items. Example: "She pushed the chair to one side to make room for the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Put to one side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave it to one side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It leans to one side.

The New York Times - Books

Vehicle pulling to one side.

The New York Times

"Put murder to one side.

The Guardian

Leave to one side until needed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Drain and leave to one side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Season and leave to one side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She looked rigidly off to one side.

The Guardian

"He takes me to one side occasionally.

The Guardian - Sport

Nicole angled her head to one side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to one side" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of moving or setting something apart, either physically or conceptually. For instance, "He pushed the table "to one side" to create more space."

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "aside" or "laterally" to avoid sounding too colloquial. Overuse can dilute the impact of your message; vary your phrasing for clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to one side" is as a prepositional phrase, typically functioning as an adverbial modifier. It indicates direction, position, or a shift in focus. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to one side" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate physical or conceptual separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle and how-to guides. While generally neutral in register, more precise alternatives like "aside" or directionally specific phrases may be preferred in formal writing. Remember to use "to one side" when you wish to emphasize the act of setting something apart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the side

Slightly shorter and more common variant of the original phrase.

aside

A more concise way of indicating something is being placed or considered separately.

to the left

Specifies a direction, indicating something is moved or located towards the left.

to the right

Specifies a direction, indicating something is moved or located towards the right.

out of the way

Indicates something is being moved to clear a space or avoid obstruction.

to the edge

Implies placement near a border or margin.

in the periphery

Suggests a location in the outer bounds or less central area.

laterally

A more formal way of saying "to the side", often used in technical contexts.

on the flank

Often used in military or strategic contexts to denote a position on the side.

at an angle

Indicates a position that is not directly facing or aligned.

FAQs

What does "to one side" mean?

The phrase "to one side" generally means moving something to the left or right, or considering something separately from the main topic.

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

You can use "to one side" to describe physical movement, as in, "She moved the books "to one side" to clear the table", or to indicate a shift in focus, as in, "Let's put the financial issues "to one side" and focus on the marketing strategy".

Are there any synonyms for "to one side"?

Yes, some synonyms include "aside", "to the side", or "out of the way", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to the side" or "to one side"?

"To the side" and "to one side" are often interchangeable, but "to one side" can emphasize a more deliberate act of separation or movement. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.