touch the sides

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch the sides" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to refer to an act of reaching out or making contact with something on either side. For example, "John reached out to touch the sides of the doorway as he walked through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

One burger doesn't even touch the sides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It will scarcely touch the sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

The crust should touch the sides of the pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In which case a Dry January won't touch the sides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My attempts, however, like signing an online petition, barely touch the sides of my shittiness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"[It] won't touch the sides of the recycling crisis," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

One cannot touch the side walls with arms outstretched.

The New York Times

To call up reading power in the new glasses, users touch the side of the frame.

The New York Times

Each cell may be so small that you can extend your arms and touch the side walls.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Firefly activates and begins heating when you touch the side buttons and is ready when the light turns green.

TechCrunch

A thin wire platform was suspended in water so that it did not touch the side or bottom of the beaker.

AoB PLANTS

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships or physical boundaries, use "touch the sides" to indicate an object or substance making contact with the surrounding limits of a container or space.

Common error

Avoid using "touch the sides" when you mean to fully encompass or fill a space. This phrase typically implies a gentle or partial contact, not complete coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch the sides" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of making contact with lateral surfaces or boundaries. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "touch the sides" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is primarily used to describe physical contact with lateral boundaries or, metaphorically, to indicate something that barely addresses a problem or is quickly consumed. Analysis of various sources reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the intended meaning, ensuring that it conveys a partial contact rather than a complete filling of space.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach the edges

Focuses on the act of reaching specific boundaries or limits.

make contact with the sides

Emphasizes the action of establishing physical connection with lateral surfaces.

come into contact with the edges

Highlights the process of encountering the boundaries.

graze the sides

Suggests a light or glancing contact with the lateral surfaces.

brush against the sides

Implies a gentle and brief contact with the lateral surfaces.

bump into the sides

Describes an accidental or unintentional contact with the lateral surfaces.

nudge the sides

Suggests a gentle push or movement against the lateral surfaces.

scrape the sides

Implies a rough or abrasive contact with the lateral surfaces.

affect the periphery

Shifts the focus to influencing or impacting the outer boundaries.

influence the boundaries

Highlights the effect on limiting or defining aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "touch the sides" in a sentence?

"Touch the sides" can describe physical contact, such as "Ensure the ice doesn't touch the sides of your mouth". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The reforms barely touch the sides of the problem".

What does it mean when something 'doesn't touch the sides'?

When something "doesn't touch the sides", it means it's quickly consumed or doesn't adequately address a need. For example, "My first beer didn't "touch the sides" after a long day".

What are some alternatives to "touch the sides"?

Depending on the context, alternatives could be "reach the edges", "make contact with the sides", or "affect the periphery".

Is it correct to say 'touch the side' instead of "touch the sides"?

While grammatically sound, "touch the side" implies touching only one side, whereas "touch the sides" refers to making contact with multiple sides or the perimeter of something. The choice depends on the specific context.