sullaltro

Sullaltro (often written sull'altro) is an Italian prepositional phrase meaning on the other side or on the other hand. It is used in both literal contexts, such as describing location, and figurative contexts, such as presenting an alternative perspective.

Etymology and form: The expression derives from su, meaning on, combined with l'altro, the masculine singular form of altro preceded by the definite article l'. In standard Italian, the form is sull'altro when followed by a masculine noun (for example, sull'altro lato). The feminine form is sull'altra, used before a feminine noun (sull'altra strada). In everyday writing, the single-word variant sullaltro is nonstandard and occurs mainly in informal contexts like branding or hashtags.

Usage notes: Common literal usages include phrases like sull'altro lato della strada (on the other side of the street) or sull'altro fronte. In argument or discourse, sull'altro può also introduce a contrasting viewpoint, as in discussing a proposal from the “other” perspective. The construction is stable across formal and informal registers.

Variants and related forms: The feminine and plural variants follow standard agreement rules (sull'altra, sugli altri, sulle altre, etc.). Other related expressions include sulla parte opposta, sul lato opposto, and equivalents in other languages for cross-cultural writing.

See also: Italian prepositional contractions, l'arte della grafia italiana, Italian grammar references.

Note: In standard Italian orthography, sull'altro is preferred; sullaltro appears only in nonstandard or stylized uses.