be with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be with" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it in situations where you are expressing a desire to be in the presence of someone, such as "I want to be with you" or "I'd like to be with my family on the holidays".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just be with him".

The New York Times

Peace be with them.

The New Yorker

"God be with her".

The New York Times

"God be with the people.

The New York Times

We will be with you".

The New Yorker

I'll be with you shortly.

The New Yorker

He'll always be with us.

The New York Times - Health

May God be with you.

The New Yorker

She's easy to be with.

The New Yorker

The gripe should be with the author.

The New York Times - Magazine

Your best man should be with you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be with" to express physical presence, emotional support, or agreement with someone's ideas or actions. For instance, "I want to "be with" you during this difficult time" conveys empathy and support.

Common error

Avoid using "be with" excessively in formal writing where more precise language could be used. For instance, instead of saying "The responsibility will "be with" the manager", consider "The manager will assume responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state of presence, accompaniment, support, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Examples show its use in various contexts, from expressing emotional support to indicating physical presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be with" is a versatile phrase used to convey presence, support, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and widely accepted expression. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in wikis and business contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise language in formal writing when appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's diverse applications, from offering emotional support to simply indicating physical proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be there for

This highlights providing support, comfort, or assistance when needed.

stay with

This option highlights remaining in someone's presence or maintaining a connection over time.

accompany

This alternative emphasizes joining someone or something, highlighting the act of going along with.

be alongside

This emphasizes being in close proximity or working together towards a common goal.

stand by

This emphasizes support and loyalty during a difficult time.

be present with

This emphasizes the importance of giving someone your full attention and focus.

join

This alternative focuses on becoming part of a group or activity.

side with

This indicates taking someone's side or supporting their viewpoint in a disagreement.

be among

This emphasizes being included within a group of people.

associate with

This option highlights being connected or linked to someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be with" to indicate presence (e.g., "I want to "be with" you"), support (e.g., "I'll "be with" you every step of the way"), or agreement (e.g., "I "be with" that decision").

What are some alternatives to saying "I'll be with you shortly"?

Instead of "I'll be with you shortly", you could say "I'll be right with you", "I'll join you soon", or "I'll be there in a moment".

What is the difference between "be with" and "be there for"?

"Be with" generally indicates presence or accompaniment, while "be there for" emphasizes providing support and assistance during challenging times. "I'll "be with" you" means I'll be present, but "I'll be there for you" implies I'll offer help if you need it.

Is it correct to say "May the force be with you"?

Yes, "May the force be with you" is a common expression, popularized by the Star Wars franchise. It's used to wish someone good luck or express hope for their success.