Opinions & arguments
err on the side of
favor a quality or choice when uncertain
To err on the side of something is to favor that quality or choice when uncertain, often choosing more of it than may be necessary.
Hear it in real life
Do you think we need a jacket?
I would err on the side of caution and bring one.
I would err on the side of caution and check the figures one more time.
The mistake everyone makes
Not: I would err at the side of caution.
Say: I would err on the side of caution.
The fixed expression uses “on the side of,” not “at the side of.”
Build it
How it fits in a sentence.
err on the side of caution/safety; erred on the side of caution
Your turn: say it out loud
I would err on the side of caution and check the figures one more time.
Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.
err on the side of
favor a quality or choice when uncertain
“I would err on the side of caution and check the figures one more time.”
heytardy
Did this help?
Your turn on Facebook
Write one sentence with a phrase from this page
Post it in the comments. We reply to every one and fix it kindly.
Write it on Facebook