side order

Meaning

A side order (often just called 'a side') is an extra, usually smaller portion of food ordered in a restaurant to go with the main dish. Common examples include French fries, a side salad, or garlic bread.

Examples

• I would like a burger with a side order of French fries, please.

  I would like a burger with a side order of French fries, please.

• The steak doesn't come with vegetables, so you have to get a side order.

  The steak doesn't come with vegetables, so you have to get a side order.

• Can we get a side order of onion rings for the table to share?

  Can we get a side order of onion rings for the table to share?

• A side order of steamed broccoli is a healthy choice.

  A side order of steamed broccoli is a healthy choice.

• The waiter forgot to bring my side order of garlic bread.

  The waiter forgot to bring my side order of garlic bread.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want a main dish with a side food of salad.

  ✓ I want a main dish with a side order of salad.

  'Side food' is not a standard English expression. Use 'side order', 'side dish', or simply 'a side'.

• ✗ I ordered a steak and a side order with rice.

  ✓ I ordered a steak and a side order of rice.

  Use the preposition 'of' to connect the phrase 'side order' to the type of food (e.g., 'a side order of rice').

Related Expressions

Practice

• Would you like to add a ___ of garlic bread to your pasta?

  💡 An extra portion of food to go with your main meal.

  Show answer

  side order

• I ordered a simple salad as a ___ because I wasn't very hungry.

  💡 A small dish served alongside the main course.

  Show answer

  side order