immediate neighbor

USAGE SUMMARY

"immediate neighbor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is immediately next to or adjacent to another person or thing. For example, "My immediate neighbor just moved away, and now I have a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Westchester, its immediate neighbor, has received $5.6 million.

The New York Times

But the hotel's immediate neighbor is a shopping-entertainment complex called the Pike, with a Hooters, a P.F.

The New York Times - Travel

Your immediate neighbor is in the stationery business, and he feels gloomy about his prospects, less so about yours.

The New Yorker

The studio's immediate neighbor is Local Television LTVV), the public-access station Mr. Dougherty helped start 20 years ago.

The New York Times

Poland as an immediate neighbor of Ukraine and as a member of the European Union can facilitate Kiev's Western integration.

The New York Times

So a house numbered 2 might have been way down the block from No. 1, whose immediate neighbor could have easily been No. 16.

The New York Times

Talks with China are much more advanced, and dropping the plan now would risk tarnishing Russia's relations with its most powerful immediate neighbor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Immediate neighbors like the plant.

The New York Times

He and his immediate neighbors live in harmony.

The New York Times

"We are immediate neighbors," said Hosyar Zebari, Iraq's foreign minister.

The New York Times

Peace with Israel's immediate neighbors would wait.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "immediate neighbor" to clearly indicate the closest adjacent person, place, or thing, leaving no ambiguity about the proximity.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate neighbor" when referring to someone or something that is not directly adjacent. The term implies direct adjacency, not just general proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate neighbor" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective modifying another noun. This phrase indicates something or someone is directly next to or adjacent to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immediate neighbor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes direct adjacency. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, making it a versatile choice for precise communication. While alternatives like "adjacent neighbor" or "next-door neighbor" exist, "immediate neighbor" clearly specifies a direct relationship. Remember to use it when the subject is directly next to another, and avoid it when referring to something merely in close proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjacent neighbor

This alternative emphasizes the spatial closeness of the neighbor.

next-door neighbor

This term is often used specifically for residences.

closest neighbor

This emphasizes the neighbor who is nearest in proximity.

neighboring property

This refers to the physical land or building that is next to another.

adjoining resident

This term is a more formal way to refer to a neighbor who lives next to you.

proximate dwelling

This alternative uses more formal language and refers to a nearby residence.

nearby resident

This emphasizes the close location of the resident.

surrounding property

Refers to properties that are in vicinity.

next building

Refers to the adjacent building.

adjacent building

This indicates that the building is close by.

FAQs

How can I use "immediate neighbor" in a sentence?

You can use "immediate neighbor" to describe something or someone directly adjacent. For instance, "The park is the museum's immediate neighbor."

What are some alternatives to using "immediate neighbor"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "adjacent neighbor", "next-door neighbor", or "closest neighbor".

Is it correct to use "immediate neighbour" instead of "immediate neighbor"?

"Immediate neighbour" is the British English spelling, while "immediate neighbor" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, depending on the context.

When should I use "immediate neighbor" versus "nearby resident"?

"Immediate neighbor" implies direct adjacency, while "nearby resident" suggests proximity but not necessarily direct contact or shared property lines.