be one's side

[lovelymimi_04]

Choose one sentence that has the same meaning as the root one:
"A good friend will stand by you when you 're having problems."
A. When you 're having problems, a good friend will stand next to you to provide encouragement.
B. A good friend will always be ready to help when you 're having problems.
C. A good friend will be your side whenever she/he is needed.

Can we use "be one's side" to mean "stand by sb, support sb"? ( I mean without "by" or "on" like be by/on one's side )

Thanks.

[baqarah131]

Choose one sentence that has the same meaning as the root one:
"A good friend will stand by you when you 're having problems."
A. When you 're having problems, a good friend will stand next to you to provide encouragement.
B. A good friend will always be ready to help when you 're having problems.
C. A good friend will be your side whenever she/he is needed.

Can we use "be one's side" to mean "stand by sb, support sb"? ( I mean without "by" or "on" like be by/on one's side )

Thanks.

Sentence B is correct.

"be one's side" is wrong and not English.

regards
edward

[David L.]

Can we use "be one's side" to mean "stand by sb, support sb"? ( I mean without "by" or "on" like be by/on one's side )

Yes. The expression is, "to be on/to take his side/my side" etc. This expression is used when a situation arises where there is a disagreement of opinion. Say, you want to go to University, but your father wants you to come into his business so that you can take over when he retires. Will your mother take your side, or stand by your father as 'head of the house'/take his side?"

The root sentence you quote is about having problems generally, and others can often help in such situations, especially friends. There is no context of a disagreement, of a split in opinion, so the answer is not (c), but (b).

[lovelymimi_04]

Thanks a lot

[baqarah131]

I beg forgiveness. I said "be on one's side" is wrong.
I was thinking of the literal meaning, where "be at one's side" or "be by one's side" would be correct.
To be on one's side means to support.
"I'm on your side" means "I have the same opinion as you, I'll work with you, help you."
edward

[RonBee]

I beg forgiveness. I said "be on one's side" is wrong.
I was thinking of the literal meaning, where "be at one's side" or "be by one's side" would be correct.
To be on one's side means to support.
"I'm on your side" means "I have the same opinion as you, I'll work with you, help you."
edward

You were not wrong. The phrase "be one's side" is an error. (I did a Yahoo search and got zilch for "be one's side". No surprise.)

~R