lying side by side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying side by side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more objects or people that are positioned next to each other horizontally. Example: "The two books were lying side by side on the table, their covers facing up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Bodies were lying side by side.

The Guardian

At pachytene they pair, the corresponding portions of the two chromosomes lying side by side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later that night, we were lying side by side on my bed.

The New Yorker

We found these two lying side by side on the book bench.

The New Yorker

Cisneros and her 15-month-old daughter, Alyson, were lying side by side in bed.

The Washington Post

"I saw both my daughters lying side by side," he later said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In its baseline design, the Hyper-K detector consists of two cylindrical tanks lying side-by-side, the outer dimensions of each tank being 48 m×54 m×250 m.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Meanwhile, her friend and mentor, François Mignon, a Yankee from New York whom she met when he came to Melrose as a guest (staying on for another three decades or so), became one of her most ardent champions — so much so that the two are lying side-by-side in the mausoleum that Hunter and Mignon purchased together around the same time she chose her future coffin, with "a heap of angels on it".

The New York Times - Travel

Now imagine the two beams lying side-by-side and compare them.

SEP

The two lying side-by-side is evidence the huge volcano collapsed in on itself creating an explosion comparative to Thera (2nd millennium BC) or Krakatoa (1883).

Wikipedia

But I can't say it was restful: I had frenetic dreams involving the death and demise of my children who were dangling from a bridge, trapped in a crashed helicopter, tranquilized and awaiting cannibalization by serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, and lying side-by-side on army cots in a Ghanian clinic, dying from Ebola.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lying side by side" to vividly depict scenes where physical proximity and shared orientation contribute to the narrative or description. For example, describing bodies in a disaster scene or individuals sharing a moment of intimacy.

Common error

Avoid using "lying side by side" to describe abstract concepts or non-physical relationships. Instead, opt for phrases like "existing concurrently" or "operating in parallel" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying side by side" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It describes the relative position of two or more entities, indicating that they are next to each other in a horizontal plane. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability, as supported by examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lying side by side" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the spatial arrangement of two or more entities in a horizontal, adjacent position. Its neutral register and widespread occurrence across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, demonstrate its versatility. While primarily descriptive, it often carries connotations of closeness or shared experience. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with physical proximity and avoid applying it to abstract concepts. Alternatives like "adjacent to each other" or "next to one another" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjacent to each other

Replaces the verb "lying" with a more static descriptor, emphasizing the positional relationship.

next to one another

Offers a more general expression of physical proximity, suitable for various contexts.

abreast

Implies being side by side and facing the same direction, often used in a more formal or technical context.

alongside each other

Emphasizes being situated along the side of something, suggesting a linear arrangement.

in juxtaposition

Highlights the act or an instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

in close proximity

Indicates nearness without necessarily being directly adjacent, suitable when the focus is on general closeness.

contiguous

Stresses direct adjacency and touching, often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate shared boundaries.

placed in parallel

Highlights the parallel arrangement and can be used when describing abstract concepts or physical objects.

in lateral arrangement

Specifies a side-by-side arrangement, often used in technical or scientific descriptions.

laterally positioned

Emphasizes the side-to-side placement, common in technical descriptions or spatial analyses.

FAQs

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

You can use "lying side by side" to describe objects or people positioned next to each other horizontally. For example, "The books were lying side by side on the shelf" or "They were lying side by side, watching the stars".

What are some alternatives to "lying side by side"?

Alternatives include "adjacent to each other", "next to one another", or "alongside each other", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "laying side by side" instead of "lying side by side"?

No, "laying side by side" is grammatically incorrect. "Lying" is the present participle of the intransitive verb "to lie", meaning to recline, while "laying" is the present participle of the transitive verb "to lay", meaning to place something down. Therefore, "lying side by side" is the correct form.

What's the difference between "lying side by side" and "sitting side by side"?

"Lying side by side" implies a reclining position, while "sitting side by side" indicates an upright, seated position. The choice depends on the physical posture you wish to describe. For example, people can be "sitting side by side" on a bench, or they can be lying side by side on a bed.