side by side

USAGE SUMMARY

"side by side" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used as an idiom to describe two people or things that are together, indicating that they are close to each other. For example: "The two leaders stood side by side and addressed the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Side by side?

The New York Times

"We were side by side.

The New York Times

They sat side by side.

The New York Times

The boats sped upriver, side by side.

The New Yorker

Factories and farmsteads sit side by side.

The Economist

They lived side by side, but separately.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

They worked side-by-side".

The New York Times

This is not side-by-side racing.

The New York Times - Sports

Now we prepared side-by-side meals.

The New Yorker

The side-by-side bathtubs.

The Guardian - Books

Two Egypts exist side-by-side.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cooperation or collaboration, use "side by side" to emphasize equality and shared effort. For example: "The scientists worked side by side to find a cure."

Common error

Avoid using "side by side" when merely indicating location. Simpler terms like "next to" or "beside" are often more appropriate. For example, instead of "The chairs were side by side", use "The chairs were next to each other".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side by side" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how actions are performed or how states are maintained. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function, showing its role in depicting physical arrangements and cooperative efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "side by side" is a versatile adverbial phrase that primarily denotes physical proximity while often suggesting collaboration or simultaneity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts. The frequency of "side by side" is very common. It appears most often in news and media, as well as in wikis and academic writing. When using "side by side", consider the subtle nuances it conveys beyond mere location; alternatives like "alongside each other" or "in conjunction" might be more suitable depending on the specific meaning you intend to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Alongside each other

Replaces spatial arrangement with a slightly more formal tone.

Next to each other

Directly indicates adjacent positioning.

Close together

Focuses specifically on physical proximity with a simple tone.

Shoulder to shoulder

Implies close physical proximity and mutual support.

In parallel

Highlights simultaneous occurrence or development.

Cheek by jowl

Implies very close proximity, possibly crowded.

In conjunction

Emphasizes a collaborative or coordinated effort.

In unison

Emphasizes simultaneous action or agreement.

Together

Offers a broader sense of unity and shared experience.

In company

Suggests being together, potentially implying support or camaraderie.

FAQs

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

"Side by side" can be used to describe physical proximity, cooperation, or simultaneous actions. For example: "They walked side by side" or "The two companies worked side by side on the project".

What phrases are similar to "side by side"?

Alternatives include "alongside each other", "in conjunction", or simply "together" depending on the specific context.

Is "side by side" formal or informal?

"Side by side" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional or academic settings.

What is the difference between "side by side" and "next to"?

"Next to" primarily indicates physical proximity, while "side by side" often implies a sense of cooperation or simultaneous action in addition to proximity. For example, you might say "The houses were next to each other" to describe location, but "They fought side by side" to describe a joint effort.