A1 Expression محايد 2 دقيقة للقراءة

It's on the left

Location

Use this phrase to quickly guide someone's eyes to the left side of their current view.

في 15 ثانية

  • Points out the location of an object or place.
  • Used for giving directions or finding items nearby.
  • Simple, direct, and works in almost any social situation.

المعنى

This phrase tells someone exactly where something is located. It means you should look toward your left side to find the object or place.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

Helping a friend find the milk in the fridge

It's on the left, behind the juice.

It's on the left, behind the juice.

🤝
2

Giving directions to a tourist

Go straight, and the museum is on the left.

Go straight, and the museum is on the left.

💼
3

Texting a roommate about where you left the keys

Check the table, it's on the left.

Check the table, it's on the left.

😊
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

In Western cultures, giving spatial directions is very common and expected to be precise. Interestingly, while most people use 'left' and 'right', some cultures use compass directions like 'North' or 'South' instead. In English, 'left' is the standard for daily navigation.

💡

Use your hands

English speakers almost always point or gesture with their head when saying this to make it clearer.

⚠️

Check your 'on'

Don't say 'in the left' or 'at the left'. It's always 'on the left' for positions.

في 15 ثانية

  • Points out the location of an object or place.
  • Used for giving directions or finding items nearby.
  • Simple, direct, and works in almost any social situation.

What It Means

It's on the left is a simple way to give directions. It tells someone to look at the side of their body where their heart is. It is one of the most useful phrases in the English language. You will use it for small things like a fork. You will also use it for big things like a building.

How To Use It

Use this phrase when someone asks "Where is it?" or "How do I find it?" You can say it by itself. You can also add more details. For example, you might say, It's on the left, next to the bank. It is very flexible. It works for things that are close to you. It also works for things far away. Just point your finger to help!

When To Use It

Use it when you are walking with a friend. Use it when you are driving and giving directions. It is perfect for a restaurant if someone asks for the restroom. You can even use it when looking at a photo. "Who is that guy?" "Oh, it's on the left—I mean, he is on the left!"

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this if the object is actually on the right. That sounds obvious, but it happens! Also, do not use it if the object is directly in front of you. If you are looking at a map together, make sure you are both facing the same way. Otherwise, your left might be their right. That is a recipe for a very long walk!

Cultural Background

In English-speaking countries, people like clear and direct instructions. We often use our hands to point while saying this. It is considered helpful and polite. In some cultures, pointing with one finger is rude. In English, it is usually okay for directions. However, using your whole hand is even more polite. We love efficiency when finding things!

Common Variations

Sometimes we make it shorter. You might just say, To the left. Or you can make it more specific. You might say, It’s the first door on the left. If it is very close, you say, It's right here on the left. If you want to be fancy, you can say, It is situated on the left-hand side. But usually, simple is better.

ملاحظات الاستخدام

This is a neutral, A1-level phrase. It is safe to use with friends, colleagues, and strangers. Always ensure you use the preposition 'on'.

💡

Use your hands

English speakers almost always point or gesture with their head when saying this to make it clearer.

⚠️

Check your 'on'

Don't say 'in the left' or 'at the left'. It's always 'on the left' for positions.

💬

The 'Left-Hand Side' Secret

If you want to sound very precise or professional (like a GPS or a pilot), use 'on the left-hand side' instead of just 'on the left'.

أمثلة

6
#1 Helping a friend find the milk in the fridge
🤝

It's on the left, behind the juice.

It's on the left, behind the juice.

Adding a second reference point (the juice) makes it clearer.

#2 Giving directions to a tourist
💼

Go straight, and the museum is on the left.

Go straight, and the museum is on the left.

Standard way to give street directions.

#3 Texting a roommate about where you left the keys
😊

Check the table, it's on the left.

Check the table, it's on the left.

Short and efficient for digital messaging.

#4 A waiter explaining where the restrooms are
👔

Walk past the bar, and it's on the left.

Walk past the bar, and it's on the left.

Polite and helpful service language.

#5 Looking at a funny photo of a pet
😄

Look at the cat! It's on the left of the dog.

Look at the cat! It's on the left of the dog.

Used to identify subjects in an image.

#6 A parent helping a child find a toy
💭

Don't cry, honey, it's right there on the left.

Don't cry, honey, it's right there on the left.

Softens the tone to be comforting.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the correct word to complete the direction.

The bathroom isn't on the right; ___ on the left.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: it's

We use 'it's' (it is) to describe the location of a singular object or room.

Complete the sentence to tell someone where the bank is.

The bank is the second building ___ the left.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: on

In English, we always use the preposition 'on' with 'the left' or 'the right'.

🎉 النتيجة: /2

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Formality of 'It's on the left'

Informal

Just pointing and saying 'On the left'.

On the left!

Neutral

Standard sentence for friends or strangers.

It's on the left.

Formal

Polite and complete sentence structure.

You will find it located on the left-hand side.

Where to use 'It's on the left'

It's on the left
🏠

At Home

Finding the remote on the sofa.

🏙️

In the City

Finding a specific shop.

🍴

At a Restaurant

Locating the exit or restroom.

📸

Looking at Photos

Identifying people in a group.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, but you usually change 'it' to 'he' or 'she'. For example, She's on the left.

Both are okay! On the left describes a static position. To the left often implies movement or a direction to turn.

Yes, it is perfectly neutral. You can add sir or ma'am if you want to be extra formal.

You should add more detail, like It's the first one on the left or It's the blue one on the left.

Yes, it is very common for driving. The gas station is on the left.

Yes! 'Left' is relative to the person you are talking to. Make sure you are both looking at the same thing.

The opposite is It's on the right.

No, that sounds unnatural. Stick with on the left for the best results.

Yes, it just sounds a bit more formal or specific. You can use them interchangeably.

You can be very short. On the left! is enough if the context is clear.

عبارات ذات صلة

To your left

Specifically relative to the person's current position.

On the right

The opposite direction/location.

Straight ahead

Directly in front of you.

Around the corner

Nearby, but you have to turn a corner to see it.

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