Have you ever been confused about whether to use “sideway” or “sidewalk”? These two words might seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and clarify when to use each one.
It’s important to note that “sideway” is not a commonly used word in the English language. In fact, it’s not even listed in most dictionaries. The proper word to use when referring to a path or passage that runs alongside a road is “sidewalk”.
A sidewalk is a paved path for pedestrians to walk on, usually separated from the road by a curb or barrier. It’s also sometimes called a “pavement” or “footpath”.
On the other hand, “sideway” is an adjective that means “moving or facing to one side”. For example, you might say that a car was parked in a sideway position, or that someone was walking in a sideway direction.
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and uses.
Define Sideway
Sideway is not a commonly used word in the English language. It is often confused with the word “sideways,” which means to move or face to the side. However, sideway refers to a narrow path or walkway that runs alongside a road or highway. Sideways and sideway are not interchangeable terms and should not be used interchangeably.
When speaking about a sideway, it is important to note that it is typically used by pedestrians or cyclists. It is not intended for use by motor vehicles. Sideways can be found in both urban and rural areas and are often used as a means of transportation for those who prefer to walk or bike instead of drive.
Define Sidewalk
A sidewalk is a paved or concrete path that runs alongside a road or highway. It is intended for use by pedestrians and is often found in urban areas. Sidewalks are typically wider than sideways and are designed to accommodate more foot traffic.
Sidewalks are commonly found in residential areas, commercial districts, and downtown areas. They are an important part of the infrastructure of many cities and towns and provide a safe and convenient means of transportation for pedestrians. Sidewalks are also often used for recreational purposes, such as jogging or walking pets.
| Feature | Sideway | Sidewalk |
|---|---|---|
| Intended use | For pedestrians and cyclists | For pedestrians |
| Width | Narrow | Wider than sideway |
| Location | Found in both urban and rural areas | Found in urban areas |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct words in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “sideway” and “sidewalk” in a sentence.
How To Use “Sideway” In A Sentence
“Sideway” is an adjective that describes something that is oriented or positioned sideways. Here are some examples of how to use “sideway” in a sentence:
- The car was parked sideway on the street.
- The tree had fallen sideway across the road.
- The picture was hanging sideway on the wall.
It is important to note that “sideway” should not be used as a noun or an adverb. For example, it would be incorrect to say “I walked down the sideway” or “The car was driving sideway.”
How To Use “Sidewalk” In A Sentence
“Sidewalk” is a noun that refers to a paved path for pedestrians to walk on next to a road. Here are some examples of how to use “sidewalk” in a sentence:
- I always walk on the sidewalk when I go for a run.
- The children were riding their bikes on the sidewalk.
- The store had a sign on the sidewalk advertising a sale.
It is important to note that “sidewalk” should not be used as an adjective or a verb. For example, it would be incorrect to say “I saw a sidewalk dog” or “The car sidewalked down the street.”
More Examples Of Sideway & Sidewalk Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the differences between sideway and sidewalk, let’s take a look at some examples of each word being used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Sideway In A Sentence
- The car was parked sideway on the street.
- He walked sideway to avoid the mud puddle.
- The skateboarder rode down the sideway with ease.
- The dog ran sideway to catch the frisbee.
- She held the book sideway to read the spine.
- The plane landed sideway due to strong crosswinds.
- The boat drifted sideway in the current.
- He tilted his head sideway to get a better view.
- The cyclist rode sideway to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
- The car skidded sideway on the icy road.
Examples Of Using Sidewalk In A Sentence
- The pedestrians walked on the sidewalk.
- He tripped on the crack in the sidewalk.
- The kids drew hopscotch on the sidewalk with chalk.
- The restaurant had outdoor seating on the sidewalk.
- She jogged on the sidewalk every morning.
- The city planted trees along the sidewalk.
- The delivery truck parked on the sidewalk.
- He walked his dog on the sidewalk.
- The protesters marched on the sidewalk.
- The snow was shoveled off the sidewalk.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to walking along a path, people often use the terms “sideway” and “sidewalk” interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between the two, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. In this section, we will highlight some common mistakes people make when using sideway and sidewalk interchangeably, with explanations of why they are incorrect. We will also offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.
Using “Sideway” Instead Of “Sidewalk”
One common mistake people make is using the term “sideway” instead of “sidewalk.” While the two may sound similar, they are not interchangeable. A sidewalk is a paved path for pedestrians along the side of a road, while “sideway” is not a recognized term in the English language.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to remember that the correct term is “sidewalk.” If you’re unsure whether a path is a sidewalk or not, look for signs or markings on the ground indicating that it’s for pedestrians.
Using “Sidewalk” For Any Path For Pedestrians
Another common mistake is using the term “sidewalk” for any path for pedestrians, even if it’s not along the side of a road. While sidewalks are paths for pedestrians, not all paths for pedestrians are sidewalks. For example, a path through a park or a walking trail in the woods is not a sidewalk.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to use the correct term for the type of path you’re walking on. If you’re unsure what to call it, you can always ask someone or look for signs or markings that indicate the name of the path.
Confusing “Sidewalk” And “Footpath”
Some people also confuse the terms “sidewalk” and “footpath.” While both are paths for pedestrians, there are some differences between them. A sidewalk is usually paved and located along the side of a road, while a footpath can be unpaved and located in a park or natural area.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to use the correct term for the type of path you’re walking on. If you’re unsure what to call it, you can always ask someone or look for signs or markings that indicate the name of the path.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you’re using the correct terms when referring to paths for pedestrians. Remember to use “sidewalk” instead of “sideway,” use the correct term for the type of path you’re walking on, and don’t confuse “sidewalk” with “footpath.” By doing so, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “sideway” and “sidewalk,” context is key. The decision to use one over the other can depend on a variety of factors, including location, cultural norms, and intended audience.
Location
In some regions, “sideway” is a commonly used term to refer to the paved area next to a road where pedestrians can walk. However, in other areas, “sidewalk” is the preferred term. For example, in the United States, “sidewalk” is the standard term used to describe this pedestrian walkway. In the United Kingdom, “pavement” is often used instead of “sidewalk” or “sideway.”
Cultural Norms
The choice between “sideway” and “sidewalk” can also depend on cultural norms. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered impolite to use a term that is not commonly used in that region. In these cases, it may be best to use the term that is most commonly used in that specific cultural context.
Intended Audience
When deciding between “sideway” and “sidewalk,” it’s important to consider the intended audience. If the audience is familiar with a specific term, it may be best to use that term to avoid confusion. For example, if writing for an American audience, it would be best to use “sidewalk” instead of “sideway,” as “sidewalk” is the standard term used in the United States.
Ultimately, the choice between “sideway” and “sidewalk” depends on the context in which they are used. By considering location, cultural norms, and intended audience, writers can ensure that they are using the most appropriate term for their specific context.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using sideway and sidewalk are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions that can make things a bit more complicated. Here are some cases where the rules may not apply:
1. Regional Differences
One exception to the rules for using sideway and sidewalk is that there may be regional differences in usage. For example, in some parts of the United States, the term “sidewalk” is used exclusively, while in other areas, “sideway” is the preferred term. This can be confusing for visitors or new residents who are not familiar with the local terminology.
2. Historical Usage
In some cases, historical usage can also affect the use of sideway vs sidewalk. For example, in older cities or towns, there may be streets that were originally designed with sidewalks on one side and sideway on the other. In these cases, the original terminology may still be used, even if it is not consistent with modern usage.
3. Specialized Terminology
Finally, there are some cases where specialized terminology may be used instead of sideway or sidewalk. For example, in some areas, a “promenade” may be used instead of a sidewalk, while in others, a “boardwalk” may be used instead of a sideway. These terms are usually reserved for specific types of pedestrian paths, such as those along a beach or waterfront.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of sideway and sidewalk can be challenging, but with practice exercises, you can become more confident in using these words correctly. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
| Sentence | Word Choices | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. I walked on the __________. | Sideway / Sidewalk | Sidewalk |
| 2. She tripped on the __________. | Sideway / Sidewalk | Sidewalk |
| 3. The car was parked on the __________. | Sideway / Sidewalk | Sideway |
| 4. The children rode their bikes on the __________. | Sideway / Sidewalk | Sidewalk |
| 5. The construction workers were working on the __________. | Sideway / Sidewalk | Sidewalk |
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with the correct word:
- She walked on the __________ to get to the store.
- The skateboarder rode on the __________.
- The car was parked on the __________.
- The children played hopscotch on the __________.
- The construction workers were repairing the __________.
Answers: 1. Sidewalk, 2. Sidewalk, 3. Sideway, 4. Sidewalk, 5. Sidewalk
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of sideway and sidewalk in sentences. Remember to choose the correct word based on the context of the sentence.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “sideway” and “sidewalk,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
Key Takeaways
- “Sideway” refers to a direction or position that is sideways or lateral, while “sidewalk” refers to a paved path for pedestrians.
- Using “sideway” instead of “sideways” is incorrect and can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
- Proper grammar and language use are important for clear communication and avoiding errors.
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve our communication skills. By using the correct words and phrases, we can convey our intended meaning clearly and effectively.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.