Englishfor English speakers
on
Preposition
—
positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above
The apple is on the table.
—
at the date of
Tim was born on the 4th of July.
—
along, forwards (continuing an action)
drive on, rock on
—
about, dealing with the subject of
I have a book on history.
There was a World Summit on the Information Society a few weeks ago.
—
touching; hanging from
I have no money on me at the moment.
I would like to eat the fruit on the trees.
—
because of, due to
He was arrested on suspicion of bribery.
I contacted Joanne on a hunch that she would know about it.
The stock price increased on news of a new product.
on
Adjective
—
If something is on, it is active, functioning or operating.
The television is on.
The lights are on, so it is very bright.
the
Determiner
—
Used, instead of a, to reference something specific, already known to exist.
Compare "I read a book." and "I read the book."
—
Used with a stress, to show that the word following is special.
Are you the John Smith that I went to school with?
—
Used with an adjective that acts like a noun to mean all of the people concerned
The poor are always with us.
—
Used with superlatives forms of adjectives and adverbs.
You are the best.
side
Noun
—
A straight edge of an object.
A square has four sides.
—
The left part or the right part of something.
This car has only one door on each side.
—
An area with respect to something else.
The statue is on the east side of the school.
—
One surface of a sheet of paper.
Please write on both sides of the paper.
—
One possible aspect of a concept (usually positive or negative).
On the plus side, my car is fixed.
Try not to look at the down side of things.
—
One group of players in a game.
Which side is winning?
—
A person or group with a particular allegiance in a conflict or competition.
In the second world war, the Italians were on the side of the Germans.
—
(UK) A television channel, usually as opposed to the one currently being watched.
I just want to see what's on the other side — James said there was a good film on tonight.
—
(US) A side dish of food.
Do you want a side of french fries with your hamburger?
side
Verb
—
(usually with "with") To be in an alliance with.
Who will you side with, Bob or Rachel?