On the left means on the left-hand side. It describes where something is: The post office is on the left. In the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, and that's on the left too: drive on the left.
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be on the left; on your left; drive on the left; to the left of + noun; turn left (not turn on the left)
- Go past the pharmacy, and the post office is on your left.
- In the UK, people drive on the left, so look right before you cross.
- In the photo, my brother is the tall man on the left.
What changed
First versionTurn on the left at the traffic lights and you'll see the hotel.
RevisionTurn left at the traffic lights and you'll see the hotel.
English uses different phrases for where something is and which way to go. For where something is, it's on the left. For which way to turn, it's just left after turn: turn left. On the is unnecessary here.
When you name a landmark, people usually say to the left of: The lift is to the left of the reception desk. And in directions you'll often hear on your left: The bank is on your left.
Your turn
Walk to the end of the street and ___ at the church.
Show the answer
turn left — This is an instruction about which way to turn, and after turn the direction is a single word: turn left. On the left describes where something is, not which way to go.
Explain to a passer-by how to get from your home to the nearest shop. Use on the left or on your left and mention one turn.
Go straight for two minutes, turn right at the bakery, and the supermarket is on your left.
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