A1 Expression Neutre 3 min de lecture

It's on the right

Location

Use this phrase to quickly guide someone's eyes to the right side of any space.

En 15 secondes

  • Points someone toward the right-hand side of their current view.
  • Works for both physical objects and general directions.
  • Short, clear, and used in almost every daily conversation.

Signification

You use this phrase to tell someone where something is located relative to their body. It means the object is on the side of your body that most people use for writing.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

At a dinner table

The salt? It's on the right of your plate.

The salt? It's on the right of your plate.

🤝
2

Giving directions in a hallway

Go down the hall, and the office is on the right.

Go down the hall, and the office is on the right.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a photo

Look at the guy in the blue shirt, it's on the right.

Look at the guy in the blue shirt, it's on the right.

😊
🌍

Contexte culturel

In English-speaking countries, giving clear directions is seen as being polite and helpful. The word 'right' also shares a root with the word for 'correct' in English, which sometimes leads to the pun: 'Left is never right!'

💡

The 'Mirror' Problem

If you are facing someone, remember that your right is their left. It's often better to say 'on your right' to avoid confusion!

⚠️

Don't forget the 'The'

Always include 'the'. Saying 'It's on right' sounds broken and incorrect to native speakers.

En 15 secondes

  • Points someone toward the right-hand side of their current view.
  • Works for both physical objects and general directions.
  • Short, clear, and used in almost every daily conversation.

What It Means

This phrase is a simple navigation tool. It tells someone to look toward their right side. It is clear and direct. You are pointing out a specific location. It helps people find things in a room or on a map. Think of it as a verbal arrow pointing the way.

How To Use It

Use it when someone asks for directions. You can say it by itself. You can also add more detail. For example, say It’s on the right, next to the door. It works for small things like a salt shaker. It also works for big things like a skyscraper. Just make sure you are facing the same way as the other person. If you are facing them, your right is their left. That is how arguments start!

When To Use It

Use it at a restaurant when a friend asks for the bathroom. Use it in a car when the driver is lost. Use it at home when your partner cannot find the remote. It is perfect for quick texts like The keys? It's on the right of the TV. It is a lifesaver in busy offices too. Use it whenever you want to be helpful and fast.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if the object is actually on the left. That sounds obvious, but we all do it! Avoid using it if the person is spinning around in circles. They will never find it. If you are in a very formal ceremony, use more specific words. Instead of It's on the right, maybe say The exit is located to your starboard side on a ship. Also, do not use it if you are not sure. Pointing someone the wrong way is a great way to lose a friend.

Cultural Background

In Western cultures, we read from left to right. This makes the right side feel like the 'end' or the 'next step'. In many English-speaking countries, people drive on the right side of the road (except the UK!). This means on the right is a very common phrase for drivers. It is one of the first phrases children learn. It is deeply tied to how we navigate our physical world every day.

Common Variations

Sometimes people say It’s to your right. This is a bit more personal. You might hear Take a right when driving. In a store, a clerk might say It will be on your right-hand side. If it is very close, you can say It's right there on the right. All of these mean basically the same thing. They just add a little flavor to the direction.

Notes d'usage

This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. The most common mistake is forgetting the word 'the'.

💡

The 'Mirror' Problem

If you are facing someone, remember that your right is their left. It's often better to say 'on your right' to avoid confusion!

⚠️

Don't forget the 'The'

Always include 'the'. Saying 'It's on right' sounds broken and incorrect to native speakers.

💬

The 'Other' Right

If someone says 'Your other right!', they are teasing you because you just looked left by mistake. It's a very common English joke.

Exemples

6
#1 At a dinner table
🤝

The salt? It's on the right of your plate.

The salt? It's on the right of your plate.

Helping someone find a small object nearby.

#2 Giving directions in a hallway
💼

Go down the hall, and the office is on the right.

Go down the hall, and the office is on the right.

Standard way to give building directions.

#3 Texting a friend about a photo
😊

Look at the guy in the blue shirt, it's on the right.

Look at the guy in the blue shirt, it's on the right.

Directing attention within a digital image.

#4 A funny moment with a confused friend
😄

No, your other right! It's on the right!

No, your other right! It's on the right!

Used when someone accidentally looks left instead of right.

#5 Helping an upset child find a toy
💭

Don't cry, your teddy bear is right there on the right.

Don't cry, your teddy bear is right there on the right.

Providing comfort by solving a small problem.

#6 Asking a waiter for the restroom
👔

The restroom? Yes, it's just on the right past the bar.

The restroom? Yes, it's just on the right past the bar.

Polite service industry interaction.

Teste-toi

Choose the correct word to complete the direction.

If you are looking at the map, the park is ___ the right.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : on

In English, we use the preposition `on` for sides like `on the right` or `on the left`.

Complete the sentence to help a friend find their phone.

Your phone isn't on the left; ___ on the right.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : it's

`It's` is the contraction for `it is`, which is needed for the subject and verb.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality of 'It's on the right'

Informal

Used with friends or family.

Right side, dude!

Neutral

Standard everyday use.

It's on the right.

Formal

Polite or professional settings.

The destination is located on your right-hand side.

Where to use 'It's on the right'

It's on the right
🚗

Driving

The gas station is on the right.

🏠

At Home

The remote is on the right of the sofa.

🏙️

In a City

The museum is on the right.

🍷

Dining

Your water glass is on the right.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. It's on the right describes a location, while Turn right is an instruction to change direction while moving.

Yes! You can say He is on the right to identify someone in a group photo or a line.

In English, we almost always say on the right. At the right is rarely used and usually sounds unnatural.

You can add sir or ma'am, or say It will be on your right-hand side to sound more professional.

You can say It's slightly to the right or It's just to the right to be more precise.

It is just a longer, slightly more formal way to say the right. It emphasizes the side of the body.

Yes, especially if you are describing where an attachment or a button is located, like The link is on the right.

The opposite is It's on the left. It follows the exact same grammar rules.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

Yes, to the right usually implies movement toward that side, while on the right implies a static location.

Expressions liées

On the left

The opposite direction/location.

Straight ahead

Directly in front of you.

Right around the corner

Very close, just past the turn.

To your right

Specifically relative to your body's position.

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