on/at the other side, on/at the other end

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New2grammar

#535038 Tue, 01 Jul 08 09:57 AM

on the other end, at the other end, on the other side, at the other side

Are they full interchangeable?

As far as I know, some contexts prefer one over the others.

In the context of phone : The person on the other end (not at the other end or on the other side)

talking about a city: On/at the other side (not end!)

Please help me distinguish their usage. It doesn't have to be thorough. I just need something to give me an idea, a foundation for me to build on.
Thanks

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,670)

Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?

optilang

#535039 Tue, 01 Jul 08 10:04 AM

As far as I know, some contexts prefer one over the others.

In the context of phone : The person on the other end (not at the other end or on the other side) -- I would use either on the other end/at the other end. Not on the other side.

talking about a city: On/at the other side (not end!) - you can be at one end of the city or on one side of the city.

I travelled the country from end to end.

I was on the other side of the road - meaning across

I was at the other end of the road - meaning the opposite end of the road.

optilang

Joined on Tue, May 13 2008

Poland

Senior Member (2,175)

OptiNative British English Speaker Wherever I may roam, I'm still a Londoner.

New2grammar

#535044 Tue, 01 Jul 08 10:21 AM

I was on the other side of the road - meaning across

I was at the other end of the road - meaning the opposite end of the road.

Optilang, could you elaborate the difference? My understanding of across and opposite is the same. :(

New2grammar

optilang

#535064 Tue, 01 Jul 08 11:45 AM

New2grammar
I was on the other side of the road - meaning across

I was at the other end of the road - meaning the opposite end of the road.

Optilang, could you elaborate the difference? My understanding of across and opposite is the same. :(

Opposite = in front of, on the other side

Across = on the other side, not necessarily in front of

BUT

on the opposite side of the street = on the other side of the street.

optilang

Grammar