next to which

USAGE SUMMARY

"next to which" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used to describe the position of something.
For example: "She sat on the bench next to which was a small pond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Temple of Zeus next to which "Hercules" will be staged next week was constructed in 330 B.C.

The New York Times - Arts

But Wordsworth also cherished them as sources of true wisdom, next to which political reason is merely a dangerous counterfeit.

The New Yorker

They also spent millions on splashy advertising and marketing campaigns, next to which the Tsingtao name seemed faded.

The New York Times

"A martyr," one man whispered, as he picked out a name next to which had been scrawled "Dead".

The New York Times

His work is full of life, wit, pace and inventiveness, next to which most things, however good their intentions, pall.

The Guardian - Arts

There was a roulette wheel on the screen, next to which a remarkably well rendered caricature of Simon Cowell stood.

The Guardian

In the yard, behind Henry James's tree, is a colossal pit, next to which a bulldozer and a backhoe have been sitting since the summer.

The New Yorker

She also lost her taste for sin, perhaps because of the Second World War, next to which her little murders may have seemed to her frivolous.

The New Yorker

(The Democrats' first proposed discretionary budget came to $956 billion, next to which the $23 billion that is causing the problem looks pretty small).

The Economist

Every day she kisses her sleek white high-tech Bernina sewing machine, next to which she has meticulously organized bobbins by color, and spools of thread.

The New York Times

The oldest building is the 15th-century Gidan Rumfa (now the emir's palace), next to which is the central mosque (1951), Nigeria's largest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "next to which", ensure that the noun or pronoun it refers to is clearly defined in the preceding clause to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "next to which" if the item being referred to is unclear or ambiguous. This can confuse the reader and weaken the clarity of your writing. Ensure there's a clear antecedent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next to which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause, specifying the location or position of something in relation to a previously mentioned noun. It's frequently used to add descriptive details in a sentence, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next to which" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote spatial relationships, often found in formal writing contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its high frequency in news and media sources signifies its broad acceptance and applicability. While alternatives such as "adjacent to which" or "beside which" exist, "next to which" provides a clear and effective means to describe the relative positioning of objects or concepts, as highlighted by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. Always ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjacent to which

Emphasizes physical closeness or adjacency, similar to the original phrase.

beside which

Indicates being side-by-side or very near something.

alongside which

Suggests a parallel position or movement relative to something else.

close to which

Highlights nearness in terms of distance or proximity.

in proximity to which

A more formal way of expressing nearness or adjacency.

contiguous to which

Emphasizes direct contact or bordering on something.

by which

Shorter and often implies a closer relationship or means.

whereupon

Indicates what immediately followed or resulted from something.

following which

Focuses on the sequence of events or items.

subsequent to which

Highlights that something happens later in time or order.

FAQs

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

"Next to which" is used to indicate the position of something relative to something else. For instance, "The park, next to which stands the library, is a popular spot".

What are some alternatives to "next to which"?

Alternatives include "adjacent to which", "beside which", or "alongside which", depending on the context.

Is "next to which" formal or informal?

"Next to which" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for academic or professional writing rather than casual conversation.

Which is correct: "next to which" or "beside which"?

Both "next to which" and "beside which" are grammatically correct, but they may convey slightly different nuances of spatial relationship. "Next to which" can imply a broader sense of adjacency, while "beside which" often suggests closer physical proximity.