左边【zuǒ biān】
left; the left
[名]靠左的一边

在地图上,左边是西,右边是东。
The left side of a map is the west while the right side is the east.
左右【zuǒ yòu】
1. about; around; or so 2. master; control; influence 3. the left and right sides
[助]1、表示概数 [动]2、支配,操纵 [名]3、左和右两个方面

他们九点半左右抵达宾馆。
They reached the guesthouse about half past nine.

这种局面你左右得了吗?
Is it within your ability to control the situation?

烈士的墓前,左右两侧摆满了鲜花。
Flowers are placed on the two sides of the grave of the martyr.
作【zuō, zuò】
(zuò) 1. engage; go in for 2. hold 3. do
(zuò) [动]1、从事,做工 2、举行,进行 3、干出,做出

从今天开始,我们实行新的作息时间表。
We work according to the new timetable from today.

陆军将在沙漠里作大规模的军事演习。
The army will carry out large scale military maneuvers in the desert.

这笔生意之所以没谈成,是因为他从中作梗。
It is he who made the business impossible.