Meaning & use
the side plate
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A small plate used for bread, salad, or a side dish.
Grammar: Countable noun; use 'a side plate' for one and 'side plates' for more than one.
Patterns
- a side plate of something
- on a side plate
- pass the side plates
She put the bread on a side plate and passed it around.
Each place setting had a dinner plate and a side plate.
The salad was served on a side plate, not in a bowl.
nouncountable
A plate that is smaller than a main plate, often used for desserts or small portions.
Grammar: Countable; usually refers to tableware in a set.
Patterns
- a set of side plates
- use a side plate for something
- a side plate and a main plate
We bought a set of eight side plates to match the dinner plates.
He used a side plate for his slice of cake.
The side plates are stored in the cupboard above the sink.
Word forms
| plural | side plates |
|---|
Common combinations
- a side plate of bread
- He ordered a side plate of bread to share.
- pass the side plates
- Could you pass the side plates, please?
- a set of side plates
- They received a set of side plates as a wedding gift.
Synonyms and how they differ
- salad plate
- Salad plate is a similar small plate, often used specifically for salad; side plate is more general for any side dish.
- small plate
- Small plate is a general term for any small plate; side plate is a specific type used for side dishes.
Commonly confused: the side plate or side dish?
the side plate vs side dish
A side dish is the food itself, while a side plate is the plate it is served on.
Practice
What is a side plate used for?
Choose one answer.
A side plate is a small plate for bread, salad, or a side dish. The main course goes on a dinner plate, soup is in a bowl, and a cup holds drinks.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the side plate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.