is next to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is next to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate proximity or adjacency between two objects or locations. Example: "The library is next to the coffee shop, making it a convenient place to study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Lynwood is next to Compton.

The New Yorker

Money is next to that.

The New York Times

The latter is next to impossible.

The Economist

The fridge is next to the bed.

Independent

That building is next to Zuccotti Park.

The New York Times

Wesley: "Cleanliness is next to godliness".

The New Yorker

"Cleanliness is next to godliness," he said.

The New York Times

Nigella is next to him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Baghdad is next to Diyala.

The New York Times

Yakitori is next to kushikatsu.

The Guardian - Travel

Communication is next to impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is next to" to clearly indicate the physical location of one object in relation to another. Ensure the objects are indeed in close proximity for accurate communication.

Common error

Avoid using "is next to" when describing objects that are far apart or only vaguely related. Ensure spatial closeness to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is next to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating spatial relationship. It specifies the position of one entity in direct adjacency to another. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in describing physical locations and arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is next to" is a versatile and common way to describe the spatial relationship between two entities, indicating direct adjacency. It's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, from news reports to academic papers, as confirmed by Ludwig. While perfectly acceptable, more formal alternatives like "is adjacent to" can be used. Remember to use "is next to" when you want to clearly communicate that two objects or locations are in very close proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is adjacent to

Replaces "next to" with a more formal synonym indicating direct adjacency.

is beside

Uses a simpler synonym for "next to", implying a close physical proximity.

is in close proximity to

Replaces "next to" with a longer phrase emphasizing nearness without necessarily implying direct contact.

is neighboring

Uses a verb form of "neighbor" to indicate that something is located immediately adjacent to something else.

is situated alongside

Implies a side-by-side placement, often suggesting a linear arrangement.

is cheek by jowl with

Uses an idiomatic expression suggesting very close proximity, often crowded conditions.

is hard by

An archaic phrase that means located very close to.

is overlooking

Indicates that something is placed close to and above something else.

is within spitting distance of

An informal phrase meaning very close.

abuts

Formal term meaning to be contiguous with or to touch at a border.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is next to"?

You can use alternatives like "is adjacent to", "is beside", or "is in close proximity to" depending on the context.

How do I use "is next to" in a sentence?

Use "is next to" to describe the location of an object relative to another, for example: "The library "is next to" the park."

Is "is next to" formal or informal?

"Is next to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. More formal alternatives include "is adjacent to".

What is the difference between "is next to" and "is near"?

"Is next to" implies a closer, more direct proximity than "is near". "Is next to" suggests that two things are directly adjacent, while "is near" indicates they are within a general vicinity.