stand side by side

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand side by side" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more people standing close together, usually with their sides touching. For example, "The two athletes stood side by side, preparing for the race to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We stand side by side.

The New York Times

Plush condos and gritty bodegas stand side by side.

The New York Times

We will stand side by side with the Greek people.

The New York Times

But in Vezelay, Romanesque and Gothic stand side by side.

The New York Times - Travel

Right now, the images stand side by side.

The New York Times - Sports

Today Nelson and Napoleon can stand side by side.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Seeing the former enemies stand side-by-side empowered the guerrillas to imagine change for themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today quality, efficiency, and scale stand side-by-side as ways of competing.

Harvard Business Review

Lovers face each other, but friends stand side-by-side, facing the world — often working on its behalf.

The New York Times

Those two operating systems can stand side-by-side, even though there is some similarity.

BBC

In the epic Final Battle, two groups remain and stand side-by-side on the stage.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand side by side" to convey a sense of unity, cooperation, or mutual support, particularly when describing groups facing a common goal or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "stand side by side" in overly sentimental or clichéd situations. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to convey genuine emotion or solidarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand side by side" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adding information about the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Travel

7%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stand side by side" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to convey unity, cooperation, and mutual support. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in contexts like News & Media, it serves to illustrate solidarity between individuals or groups. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts. Alternatives like "unite together" or ""support each other"" can provide nuanced variations of the same core concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand shoulder to shoulder

Visually similar and emphasizes close proximity and mutual support, often used in contexts of facing adversity or challenge.

support each other

Highlights the mutual assistance and encouragement provided within a group, focusing on emotional and practical backing.

be in solidarity

Emphasizes the unity and agreement in feeling or action, particularly in the face of adversity or injustice, signifying a strong bond.

join forces

Highlights the collaborative aspect of combining efforts for a common goal, suggesting a more active partnership.

cooperate closely

Stresses the collaborative effort and close interaction required to achieve a shared objective, emphasizing mutual assistance.

band together

Focuses on the act of forming a close-knit group for mutual support or defense, highlighting the strength in numbers.

unite together

Emphasizes the act of coming together as a single entity, highlighting the collective action and shared purpose.

act as one

Stresses the unified and coordinated behavior of a group, suggesting a complete alignment of purpose and action.

work in unison

Focuses on the harmonious and synchronized nature of the collaboration, emphasizing perfect agreement and alignment.

align oneself with

Focuses on agreement and support of a cause or person, but includes implication of individual decision.

FAQs

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

The phrase "stand side by side" is used to describe individuals or groups that are united in purpose or action. For example, "We must "support each other" and stand side by side in the face of adversity."

What does "stand side by side" mean?

The phrase "stand side by side" means to be united, to support each other, or to face a common challenge together. It implies solidarity and cooperation.

What's a more formal way to say "stand side by side"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "be in solidarity" or "collaborate closely" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is there a difference between "stand side by side" and "stand shoulder to shoulder"?

While both phrases convey unity and support, "stand shoulder to shoulder" often implies a more immediate and direct confrontation of a challenge, whereas "stand side by side" is a more general expression of unity.