by the river

USAGE SUMMARY

"By the river" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase as part of a sentence when referring to the location of an event or action. For example: "I walked by the river, and watched the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TIRRA LIRRA BY THE RIVER by Jessica Anderson (Penguin: $8.95).

Los Angeles Times

Salmon are in the River Bollin and kingfishers are occasionally spotted by the river's edge.

Independent

They ate by the river.

The New Yorker

Claimed by the river, his mother explained.

The New York Times

"Fran saw you down by the river".

The New Yorker

AUDIENCE: By the river.

Cornell University

Brisbane, split by the river.

The Guardian

By the river, all seemed still.

The New York Times - Travel

She liked walking by the river.

The New Yorker

Neil Young's monstrous Down By the River.

The Guardian - Music

In association with Caught By The River.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the river" to clearly indicate a location near a river in descriptive writing or when giving directions. For instance, "The old mill stood by the river, its silhouette reflected in the water."

Common error

Avoid using "on the river" or "in the river" when you mean to indicate something is located beside it. "On the river" typically refers to something floating or situated directly on the water, while "in the river" refers to something submerged within the river. Use "by the river" for locations alongside the riverbank.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the river" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to specify location. It indicates where something is situated in relation to a river. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the river" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that clearly indicates a location next to a river. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, primarily found in News & Media, Academic writing, and Encyclopedias. To avoid common errors, ensure you're using "by" to mean alongside the riverbank, not "on" or "in", which suggest being on the water's surface or submerged within it. For stylistic variation, consider alternatives like "along the riverbank" or "at the river's edge", but always prioritize clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the river

A more general term indicating proximity to the river.

beside the river

Implies being directly next to the river.

close to the river

Indicates a short distance from the river.

along the riverbank

Focuses on the edge of the river rather than the general vicinity.

on the riverside

Emphasizes the side or bank of the river.

at the river's edge

Specifically refers to the boundary of the river.

on the banks of the river

Highlights the riverbanks as the location.

adjacent to the river

Highlights the immediate adjacency to the river.

overlooking the river

Implies a vantage point with a view of the river.

bordering the river

Indicates that the river forms a boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "by the river" in a sentence?

Use "by the river" to describe a location that is next to a river. For example, "They built a cabin "by the river" for summer retreats."

What's the difference between "by the river" and "near the river"?

"By the river" typically implies a closer proximity than "near the river". "Near the river" suggests a general area, while "by the river" suggests right next to the riverbank.

Are there any stylistic alternatives to using "by the river"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "along the riverbank", "on the riverside", or "at the river's edge" to add more descriptive detail.

Is it ever appropriate to say "in the river" instead of "by the river"?

Yes, but the meaning is different. "In the river" means something is inside the water, while ""by the river"" means something is located next to the riverbank.