by the stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a location near or adjacent to a stage, often in contexts related to performances or events. Example: "The audience gathered by the stage to get a better view of the performers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was always attracted by the stage".

The New York Times - Arts

Dozens of tight-clutching couples twirled by the stage.

The New York Times - Travel

But, one has to ask, what exactly is gained by the stage transfer?

The Guardian

Tickets for the Easington screening cost £1, subsidised by the stage show's producers.

The Guardian

On a large screen by the stage, the words "Surrender to Peace" appeared.

The New Yorker

Ross offered one of his artists, Jef Fortson, who went by the stage name Def Jef.

The New Yorker

"Dealing with the artist, getting yelled at by the stage manager?" Professor Dorenfeld said later.

The New York Times

In fact, I think many of its ideas could be enhanced by the stage.

The Guardian

I just marched down to the front and perched on a rail by the stage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Posdnuos looked down at an older woman in front, by the stage.

The New Yorker

(Adrenalin, I suppose, with a bit of warmth presumably thrown off by the stage lights).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical location relative to the stage, use "by the stage" to clearly indicate proximity without specifying an exact position. For instance, "The fans gathered "by the stage" hoping to catch a glimpse of the band after the show".

Common error

Avoid using "on the stage" when you mean "near the stage". "On the stage" implies something is physically located on the platform itself, while ""by the stage"" simply means near it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the stage" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating location. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to specify the position of something or someone in relation to a stage, typically implying proximity or adjacency. This is evident in examples where people are described as standing "by the stage" or objects being placed "by the stage".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Travel

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the stage" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity to a stage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and travel writing. While alternatives like "near the stage" and "next to the stage" exist, "by the stage" provides a clear and concise way to describe locations relative to a performance area. Remember to use it when you mean something is near the stage, not necessarily on it. This phrase is particularly effective in describing events, performances, or the layout of a venue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the stage

Indicates a location in close physical proximity to the stage.

next to the stage

Specifies adjacency, being immediately beside the stage.

close to the stage

Emphasizes being in the vicinity of the stage, within a short distance.

at the edge of the stage

Implies being right on the boundary or perimeter of the stage.

adjacent to the stage

A more formal way of saying 'next to the stage'.

in the vicinity of the stage

A broader way to indicate the general area around the stage.

alongside the stage

Similar to 'next to', suggesting a parallel position to the stage.

by the time the performance started

Focuses on a temporal relationship rather than a spatial one, indicating a point in time related to the stage event.

influenced by the theatrical production

Highlights the impact of the staging or performance itself.

determined by the presentation of the performance

Indicates that something is decided based on how the performance is staged.

FAQs

What does "by the stage" mean?

"By the stage" generally means near or next to the stage. It indicates a location in close proximity to the stage area, often implying a vantage point or accessibility to performers or events happening on stage.

What are some alternatives to "by the stage"?

Alternatives include "near the stage", "next to the stage", "close to the stage", or "adjacent to the stage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of proximity you want to convey.

How is "by the stage" different from "on the stage"?

"By the stage" indicates a location near the stage, while "on the stage" means something is physically positioned on the platform itself. For example, dancers perform "on the stage", while fans gather "by the stage" to watch.

Is "by the stage" formal or informal?

"By the stage" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.