be neighbors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be neighbors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of living or being situated next to someone else, often in a friendly or community context. Example: "I hope we can be neighbors and support each other in our new community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But we'd be neighbors only if time had imploded.

The New Yorker

But they may not be neighbors much longer.

The New York Times

That the two couples will be neighbors is not surprising.

The New York Times

Now she and Ms. Helen's daughter will be neighbors.

The New York Times

"In the end, we're all going to be neighbors".

The New York Times

Discover seven lessons from Mister Rogers that can help Americans be neighbors again.

University of California, Berkeley

She remarked that they would now be neighbors, and suggested that they finally meet.

The New Yorker

France and England may be neighbors, but that has never made them friends.

The New York Times

The "what" turned out to be neighbors who had tapped into their system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Its soon-to-be neighbors include liquor stores, check-cashing stores and discount hotels.

The New York Times

Finally we found a great place, confirmed with would-be neighbors that there were no mice, and signed a lease.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be neighbors" to emphasize the potential for positive relationships and shared experiences within a community. It is more than just existing in the same area; it suggests a degree of connection and mutual awareness.

Common error

Don't assume that merely stating two entities "be neighbors" automatically implies a positive or functional relationship. Clarify the nature of their interaction if it is not inherently clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be neighbors" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of proximity or adjacency. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in both literal and figurative contexts, referring to physical locations and abstract relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

26%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be neighbors" is a versatile phrase used to indicate proximity and potential interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral in tone, the specific connotation depends heavily on context. It is most frequently found in news and media, with considerable usage in scientific contexts as well. When using this phrase, consider the implied relationship between the entities and avoid assuming a uniformly positive dynamic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain neighborly relations

Emphasizes the social and interpersonal aspect of being good neighbors.

live next door

Focuses specifically on the physical proximity of living in adjacent houses or apartments.

reside nearby

Emphasizes the act of living in close geographical relation to each other.

establish neighborhood ties

Highlights the act of building connections within a local community.

share a community

Highlights the communal aspect of living in the same area and potentially sharing resources or social connections.

form a community

Emphasizes on the act of creating a society of people living in the same area.

cultivate local connections

Focuses on nurturing relationships within a specific geographic area.

have a close proximity

Refers to the nearness in distance, whether physical or metaphorical.

coexist peacefully

Highlights the harmonious aspect of living in the same area, especially when different groups or entities are involved.

be in the same vicinity

Focuses on the state of being near each other without emphasizing relationships.

FAQs

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

You can use "be neighbors" to describe a situation where people, businesses, or even abstract concepts are located near each other, suggesting a potential for interaction or influence. For example, "The two companies will "be neighbors" in the new industrial park".

What does it mean to "be neighbors" with someone?

To "be neighbors" implies a shared physical space or proximity, suggesting the possibility of interaction, cooperation, or even conflict. It's about coexisting in a local environment, whether residential or metaphorical.

What are some alternatives to saying "be neighbors"?

You can use alternatives like "live next door", "reside nearby", or "share a community" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to "be neighbors" with someone?

Not necessarily. While "be neighbors" often implies a friendly or cooperative relationship, it can also denote a situation of tension or competition. The context will usually determine the nature of the relationship.