What are the definitions of “side with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Support someone.
The lecturer SIDED WITH her students and got sacked for her pains.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “side with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb side with is to support or agree with someone in a disagreement or conflict. For example, it can mean supporting a friend in an argument or agreeing with a coworker's opinion.
What are the different verb forms of “side with”?
| Root Verb | side with |
| Third Person Singular Present | sides with |
| Present Participle | siding with |
| Simple Past | sided with |
| Past Participle | sided with |
Example
I always side with my best friend in arguments.
Example
She sides with her brother in family disputes.
Example
He is siding with the workers in the labor dispute.
Example
Yesterday, they sided with the protesters in the demonstration.
Example
The judge sided with the plaintiff in the lawsuit.
What kind of phrasal verb is “side with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“side with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She sided with her friend in the debate.
Example
He sided with the majority in the vote.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“side with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She sided with her friend in the debate.
Example
He sided with the majority in the vote.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “side with”?
Support the opposing party or group in a political context.
Example
The senator decided to side with the opposition on the controversial bill.
Good things to know
Does “side with” have an informal or formal tone?
Side with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.
