with a side of

USAGE SUMMARY

'with a side of' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in casual conversation and informal writing to indicate something that is served along with the main dish or item. For example, "I'll have a cheeseburger with a side of fries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The truth with a side of tenderness.

The New York Times - Health

Duck with a side of jazz?

The New York Times - Travel

Serve with a side of tatale.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's horseradish with a side of shrimp.

The Guardian

All dishes are served with a side of tortilla chips.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Craving carne asada with a side of chicken and waffles?

The Washington Post

I had found tartiflette nirvana, with a side of charcuterie.

The New York Times - Travel

Order up a double macchiato with a side of debate.

The New York Times

A platter of grey with a side of spitting rain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They also come with a side of biography.

The New York Times - Travel

I sometimes order it myself … with a side of flies.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a side of" to add a playful or informal tone when describing something accompanying a main item or idea. For example, "The movie was thrilling, with a side of humor."

Common error

Avoid using "with a side of" excessively in formal writing. Overuse can make your writing sound too casual or repetitive. Choose more formal alternatives like "accompanied by" or "in addition to" for professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a side of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig shows that this phrase commonly introduces an accompanying element, either literally (food) or figuratively (an added quality or characteristic).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a side of" is a common prepositional phrase used to indicate something that accompanies a main element. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for informal and semi-formal contexts. While frequently found in news and media, its casual tone makes it less appropriate for highly formal writing. Alternatives like "accompanied by" or "in addition to" may be preferred in professional settings. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to avoid overuse and maintain a balanced tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the side

Indicates the item is served separately, but intended to complement the main item.

along with

Indicates that something is included or added to something else.

together with

Emphasizes the combination or association of two or more things.

accompanied by

Focuses on the concept of something being together, emphasizing accompaniment.

with the addition of

Clearly states that something is being added to the main element.

in addition to

Highlights the additive nature of including something extra.

supplemented by

Suggests that something is enhanced or completed by an addition.

plus

A shorter, more informal way to indicate something is added.

and also

A basic way to connect two things, indicating the presence of both.

serving suggestion

Suggests an addition, but often specific to a food context.

FAQs

How can I use "with a side of" in a sentence?

The phrase "with a side of" is generally used to indicate that something accompanies something else, often in a playful or descriptive way. Example: "The lecture was informative, with a side of witty anecdotes."

What are some alternatives to "with a side of"?

You can use alternatives such as "accompanied by", "along with", or "in addition to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "with a side of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "with a side of" is generally more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives.

What does "with a side of" imply?

The phrase "with a side of" implies that something is being added to the main element. It can suggest that the added element is secondary but still contributes to the overall experience or situation.