next to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "next to him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the placement of someone or something in relation to another person or object. For example, "The student sat in the front row of the classroom, next to him was the teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But next to him?

The New York Times

Melinda stood next to him.

The New Yorker

Next to him is a young woman.

The New Yorker

Sepúlveda was lying next to him.

The New Yorker

I put them next to him.

The New Yorker

He wakes with Lena next to him.

The New Yorker

A gun was found next to him.

Independent

I sat down next to him.

The New Yorker

Next to him lay two corpses.

Independent

"I was sitting right next to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was standing right next to him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next to him" to clearly indicate the physical location of a person or object relative to a specific male individual. This phrase works well in descriptive writing, narratives, and reports where spatial relationships are important.

Common error

Avoid using "next to him" when you actually mean "supporting him" or "in agreement with him". While physical proximity can sometimes imply these things, it's more precise to use phrases that directly describe support or agreement to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next to him" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate spatial relationship. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in describing physical positioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next to him" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote physical proximity to a male individual. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, and numerous examples from news, academic, and general sources show its common usage. While alternatives like "beside him" or "adjacent to him" exist, "next to him" remains a clear and widely understood way to describe spatial relationships. Remember to use it accurately to avoid confusion with emotional or supportive connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beside him

A direct synonym, indicating physical proximity on either side.

near him

A simpler, less specific way to indicate closeness.

adjacent to him

Implies a closer, often touching, physical proximity.

close to him

General term for physical or emotional nearness.

alongside him

Suggests a parallel position, often implying collaboration or shared direction.

in proximity to him

More formal, emphasizing the nearness in space.

in close range to him

Highlights the shortness of the distance.

in his vicinity

Refers to the surrounding area rather than a specific spot.

at his side

Suggests loyalty or support, implying a position of assistance.

within his reach

Indicates closeness in terms of physical access or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "next to him" in a sentence?

Use "next to him" to show the position of something or someone in relation to a male person. For instance, "The award was placed "next to him" on the table" or "She sat "next to him" during the meeting".

What's the difference between "beside him" and "next to him"?

Both phrases are very similar, indicating physical proximity. "Beside him" and "next to him" are generally interchangeable, but "next to him" might slightly emphasize a sequential arrangement or adjacency, while "beside him" focuses more on simply being at his side.

Are there more formal alternatives to "next to him"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "adjacent to him" or "in proximity to him" for a more formal tone. However, "next to him" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

Can "next to him" refer to emotional closeness?

While "next to him" typically describes physical proximity, it can sometimes imply emotional support or closeness depending on the context. However, it's better to use phrases like "close to him" or "supporting him" to explicitly convey emotional connection.