to the left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to the left" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is physically located on the left side. For example: "I saw a door to the left of the hallway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

move to the left.

The New Yorker

"Look to the left".

Independent

Darndale to the left.

The New Yorker

A step to the left?

The Guardian - Opinion

Another ball to the left.

The New York Times

"He runs to the left.

The New York Times

Lucy nodded to the left.

The New Yorker

Cadbury's, down to the left.

The New Yorker

To the left lies death.

The New York Times - Food

Youth leans to the left.

The Economist

Trafficate!" he reiterates, gesticulating to the left.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to the left" to provide clear directional instructions or indicate the position of an object or location relative to a reference point. Ensure the context makes it clear from whose perspective the 'left' is being described.

Common error

Avoid using "to the left" without a clear point of reference. For example, instead of saying 'The building is to the left', specify 'The building is to the left of the park' to eliminate ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The prepositional phrase "to the left" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating direction or location. Ludwig's examples show it specifying where something is or which way to move.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

34%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to the left" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate direction or location. According to Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, from giving directions to describing spatial relationships. Although generally neutral in tone, ensuring a clear point of reference is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "on the left side" or "leftward" can provide similar meaning with slight variations. Ludwig's AI confirms that the phrase is a standard and acceptable part of the English language, frequently found in diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the left

A shorter version, omitting 'side' for brevity, but maintaining the same meaning.

on the left side

Specifies the location on the left, emphasizing the side rather than the direction.

to the left-hand side

More explicitly specifies the side, removing ambiguity about which 'left' is being referred to.

towards the left

Emphasizes the direction of movement or orientation, adding a sense of motion.

left of

A more concise way of indicating position relative to a reference point.

at the left

Indicates a general location on the left, more static than directional.

to the port side

Replaces 'left' with 'port', a nautical term, changing the context to maritime settings.

leftward

Expresses movement or orientation towards the left in a single word.

on the larboard

Uses the archaic term 'larboard' for the left side of a ship, introducing a historical nuance.

to the west

Substitutes 'left' with 'west', applicable in contexts where left corresponds to a westward direction.

FAQs

How can I use "to the left" in a sentence?

Use "to the left" to indicate direction or location relative to a specific point of reference. For example, 'Turn "to the left" at the next intersection' or 'The entrance is "to the left" of the main door'.

What is an alternative way to say "to the left"?

Alternatives include "on the left side", "leftward", or "on the left", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to the left"?

While grammatically correct, using "to the left" can be unclear if the point of reference is not explicitly stated or easily understood. Ensure clarity by providing a specific landmark or viewpoint.

What's the difference between "to the left" and "on the left"?

"To the left" often implies a direction or movement, whereas "on the left" typically indicates a static position. For example, 'Turn "to the left"' (direction) versus 'The shop is "on the left"' (location).