phrasal verb · neutral
take sides
/teɪk saɪdz/take·SIDES
speakingtask2
to support one person or opinion in an argument or disagreement
Examples
“When the two students argued, the teacher refused to take sides.”
“In debates it's important not to take sides before hearing the evidence.”
“People often take sides based on emotion rather than facts.”
Band 8 sentence
“As a moderator I deliberately avoid taking sides so the discussion stays fair and evidence-based.”
Collocations
- take sides with someone
- refuse to take sides
Word family
take (v) verbsides (n) noun (pl.)
Common mistakes
take a side→take sides
take side with→take sides with
Say it for a higher band
5support→6side with→7+take sides
Synonyms
side with
support
Easily confused
support
“As a teacher I try not to take sides when students argue.”
Related words
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In take …
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