be alongside

USAGE SUMMARY

"be alongside" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe being next to someone or something, or being in a parallel or accompanying position. Example: During the parade, the marching band will be alongside the float decorated with flowers. In this sentence, "be alongside" is used to show that the marching band will be positioned next to the float as they move in the parade. This phrase can also be used in a more figurative sense, such as "working alongside someone," meaning to work together with another person.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Chirac and Chancellor Schröder will be alongside, symbolising reconciliation, both current and historic.

The Guardian

He'll be alongside his great mentor Brassens".

The Guardian - Music

I've always wanted to be alongside Stephon.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big honour to be alongside those nominees.

Independent

It'll be nice to be alongside him, going for medals.

Independent

Maybe one day it will be alongside football".

The Guardian - Sport

He will also be alongside Woodson, the man who persuaded him to make the trip.

The New York Times - Sports

If Carroll starts tomorrow then it will probably be alongside Jermain Defoe.

Independent

The feet may be alongside the buttocks, or the legs may be extended against the face.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Managers have the skills to make change happen, but this needs to be alongside great leadership.

The Guardian

"It's a good opportunity to come back and be alongside Joe on the bench.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be alongside", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to a physical location, a cooperative effort, or a supportive role to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "be alongside" in formal academic or business writing. While grammatically correct, consider more precise alternatives like "accompany", "collaborate with", or "support" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be alongside" is that of a verb phrase, functioning as a predicate in a sentence. It typically describes a state of being physically near something or someone, or existing in a parallel or supportive relationship, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be alongside" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to denote physical proximity, support, or collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it enjoys frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in formal writing to enhance clarity. The examples provided by Ludwig serve to illustrate the range of applications for this common and useful phrase, ensuring that its intended meaning is clearly conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand beside

Focuses on physical proximity and support, implying a deliberate act of standing next to someone.

be next to

Emphasizes physical adjacency without necessarily implying support or collaboration.

work with

Highlights collaboration and joint effort, shifting the focus from physical location to teamwork.

accompany

Implies going together with someone, often suggesting a shared journey or experience.

cooperate with

Emphasizes working together towards a common goal, stressing the joint effort.

support

Focuses primarily on providing assistance and encouragement, rather than physical presence.

be in partnership with

Highlights a formal agreement or collaboration between two or more parties.

be in the company of

Focuses on being together socially or formally, emphasizing companionship.

assist

Highlights providing help and aid, focusing on the supportive role.

be affiliated with

Highlights a connection or association with an organization or group.

FAQs

How can I use "be alongside" in a sentence?

You can use "be alongside" to describe something being next to something else, or someone supporting another person. For example, "The new building will be alongside the park", or "The mentor will "support" the new employee as they learn the ropes".

What does "be alongside" mean?

"Be alongside" means to be next to something or someone, or to be in a position of support or collaboration. It indicates proximity and a potential relationship between the entities involved.

What are some alternatives to "be alongside"?

Some alternatives to "be alongside" include "stand beside", "work with", "support", or "accompany". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

Which is more appropriate, "be alongside" or "be beside"?

Both "be alongside" and "be beside" can indicate physical proximity. However, "be alongside" often implies a more supportive or collaborative relationship, while "be beside" primarily indicates location. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended nuance of your sentence.