ENGLISH
REFERENCE

on both sides

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. used to describe something that is on the left and the right of a central point, or to talk about two groups in a disagreement.

prep. phr.. a prepositional phrase indicating bilateral positioning or the involvement of two opposing parties in a conflict or negotiation.


SIMPLE

There are trees on both sides of the street.

CONTEXTUAL

The mediator listened to the arguments on both sides before suggesting a compromise.

COMPLEX

The treaty was met with significant resistance on both sides of the border, leading to further diplomatic tension.

Usage

often followed by 'of' plus a noun to specify the location or the groups involved.

Teaching tip

use this to practice symmetry in descriptions or to introduce balanced arguments in essays; it functions as an adverbial or adjectival modifier.

Pitfall

on both sideon both sidesthe noun 'side' must be plural because 'both' refers to two distinct parts.

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