live side by side

USAGE SUMMARY

"live side by side" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two people, groups, or countries living together in the same area, with each respecting the other's rights. For example, "The two countries have managed to live side by side in peace for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We used to live side by side".

The New York Times

Lilacs and lemons live side by side.

The New York Times

We live side by side without any privacy".

The New York Times

Can't both live side by side in peace?

The New Yorker

Getting communities to live side by side with each other will be no easy task.

The Economist

We want Turkey to be proof of how we can live side by side".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

How does something so real-world-horrible live side-by-side with fantasy-world happiness?

The New York Times - Sports

Some in places like Alice Springs will live side-by-side.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ethnic and sectarian hatred is strongest in the disputed territories where different communities live side-by-side.

Independent

All the Oceanic teams will live side-by-side in the Athletes' Village.

BBC

It is a neighbourhood where rich and poor live side-by-side.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that using "live side by side" often implies a sense of tolerance, whether successful or aspired to, between the entities involved.

Common error

Don't assume that just because entities "live side by side", they necessarily have a harmonious relationship. The phrase doesn't guarantee agreement or positive interaction, so consider whether additional context is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "live side by side" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes a state of being or action involving two or more entities existing in close proximity. As Ludwig AI explains, it's commonly used to describe groups or countries coexisting. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "live side by side" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the coexistence of entities in close proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase conveys coexistence, often implying tolerance. While the phrase is neutrally registered, writers should avoid assuming automatic harmony between the entities involved. Alternatives such as "coexist peacefully" and "live in harmony" offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific communicative intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coexist peacefully

Focuses specifically on the peaceful nature of the coexistence.

live in harmony

Emphasizes a positive and cooperative relationship.

reside adjacently

Highlights the physical proximity of living spaces, more formal.

dwell together

A more literary or archaic way of saying 'live together'.

inhabit the same area

Focuses on sharing a geographical location.

exist alongside each other

Highlights the simultaneous existence in the same space or time.

share living spaces

Emphasizes the shared nature of the environment.

be neighbors

Simple and direct term for living nearby.

be in close proximity

General phrase indicating nearness, not necessarily residential.

live near one another

A simple and direct way of expressing close residential proximity.

FAQs

How can I use "live side by side" in a sentence?

You can use "live side by side" to describe different groups, communities, or even abstract concepts coexisting in the same space or time. For example, "Different cultures can "live side by side" in a diverse city".

What does it mean when people "live side by side"?

When people "live side by side", it means they inhabit the same area or community, often implying a level of proximity and coexistence, whether harmonious or not.

Which is more accurate, "live side by side" or "coexist peacefully"?

"Coexist peacefully" specifically emphasizes a harmonious relationship, while "live side by side" simply implies physical proximity without necessarily indicating harmony. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between ""live side by side"" and "live together"?

"Live together" often suggests a shared residence or a close relationship, whereas "live side by side" emphasizes proximity and coexistence, even if the relationship isn't necessarily close or harmonious.