Meaning & use
on the plus side
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
used to introduce a good or positive aspect of a situation, especially after mentioning a problem
Grammar: Stands alone at the start of a clause and is followed by a comma; it is not used before a noun.
Patterns
- on the plus side, ...
- but on the plus side, ...
The hotel was noisy, but on the plus side, it was very close to the beach.
We missed the train. On the plus side, we had time for a coffee.
On the plus side, the new system is much faster than the old one.
Common combinations
- on the plus side
- On the plus side, we saved a lot of money.
- but on the plus side
- It rained every day, but on the plus side, the gardens were beautiful.
- on the minus side
- On the minus side, the job is quite far from my home.
Synonyms and how they differ
- on the bright side
- Very similar, but 'on the bright side' often suggests a more cheerful or optimistic view, while 'on the plus side' is more neutral and practical.
- positively
- This adverb means 'in a positive way' and cannot replace the phrase at the start of a sentence.
Opposites
Commonly confused: on the plus side or on the bright side?
on the plus side vs on the bright side
Both introduce good points, but 'on the bright side' is more emotional and optimistic; 'on the plus side' is more factual and often used in business or everyday decisions.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'on the plus side' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'On the plus side' introduces a positive point, so 'we had a great time' fits. Option An is wrong because it introduces a negative point; option C is wrong because the phrase does not go at the end; option D is not grammatical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on the plus side”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.