question The survivors stood together on their side (the line of demarcation was clear in the grass, bright on one side and listless gray on the other), beginning to understand but not quite daring to

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Jayden Cool

question The survivors stood together on their side (the line of demarcation was clear in the grass, bright on one side and listless gray on the other), beginning to understand but not quite daring to believe. Rusty, Linda, the Little Js, Joe McClatchey and Norrie Calvert, with their mothers standing to either side of them. Ginny, Gina Buffalino, and Harriet Bigelow with their arms around each other. Twitch was holding his sister Rose, who was sobbing and cradling Little Walter. Piper, Jackie, and Lissa were holding hands. Pete Freeman and Tony Guay, all that remained of the Democrat ’s staff, stood behind them. Alva Drake leaned against Rommie Burpee, who was holding Alice Appleton in his arms. Question: What's the meaning of 'standing to either side of them'?

Answers · 4

The meaning is the same as "both" here. They are on both sides. It should be "either side" or "on either side", not "to either side". You can use "to one side" or "to either side" with verbs of activity or motion like "put", but not "stand". I have often seen strange uses of English by Stephen King cited in Italki questions. I think he's sometimes a bit sloppy with his use of words. He's not the only famous author to be like this.

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