"on Billy's right" vs. "to the right of Billy"

[MorphemeAddict@wmconnect.com]

In a message dated 3/21/2006 4:23:05 AM Central Standard Time, ecartis@digitalkingdom.org writes:


> Byt the way, is there a regular distinction
> between "on Billy's right" and "to the right of
> Billy"?


Most definitely.
If you and I together are looking at a stage full of children, including Billy, and I want to draw your attention to Mary, I could tell you: "Mary is the girl to the right of Billy", which means in your and my frame of reference, regardless of the orientation of Billy. 
If I say "Mary is the girl on Billy's right", then the frame of reference shifts to Billy's frame of reference.

stevo