to be with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the desire or intention to spend time with someone or to be in their company. Example: "I just want to be with my family during the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's easy to be with.

The New Yorker

He was also fun to be with.

The New Yorker

I'd like to be with Jade.

The New Yorker

No one wanted to be with us.

The New Yorker

"I like to be with the team".

The New York Times

"They needed someone to be with them".

The New York Times

I just want to be with her".

Independent

I wanted to be with the guys.

The New York Times - Sports

Khan happened to be with al-Awlaki.

The New Yorker

I like to be with someone".

The New Yorker

I just needed to be with her.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be with", ensure it clearly conveys your intended meaning, whether it's about physical presence, emotional support, or shared experience. Context is crucial for clarity.

Common error

Be specific about the nature of the relationship when using "to be with". Avoid vague sentences where the reader might misinterpret the context (e.g., confusing physical presence with emotional support).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be with" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial or adjectival modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express desire, intention, or necessity in relation to another person or group. It describes the state of being in someone's company or presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be with" is a grammatically sound and versatile infinitive phrase used to express companionship, support, or shared experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and commonly used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While precise alternatives exist to refine the meaning, "to be with" remains a prevalent and effective way to convey human connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to spend time with

This alternative specifies the action of sharing time with someone.

to be by someone's side

This alternative emphasizes providing support or companionship.

to be in the company of

This alternative highlights the state of being together with someone.

to keep company with

This alternative suggests providing companionship to someone, often to alleviate loneliness.

to stay with

This alternative suggests remaining in someone's presence or care.

to accompany

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing the act of going somewhere with someone.

to associate with

This alternative implies a connection or relationship with someone.

to be around

This alternative is a less formal way of expressing being near someone.

to hang out with

This alternative is an informal way of expressing spending casual time with someone.

to join

This alternative is a simple way to express becoming part of a group.

FAQs

How can I use "to be with" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be with" can express physical presence, emotional support, or shared activity. For example, "I want "to be with" my family," or "She needed someone "to be with" her during the crisis."

What are some alternatives to "to be with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to accompany", "to spend time with", or "to be in the company of".

When is it appropriate to use "to be with" in formal writing?

While "to be with" is versatile, consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic contexts where precision is key. For example, instead of "I need "to be with" the research team", you might say "I need "to collaborate with" the research team."

Is there a difference between "to be with" and "to stay with"?

"To be with" generally implies companionship or presence, while "to stay with" often suggests residing or remaining in someone's presence for an extended period. For example, "I want "to be with" my friends tonight" versus "I'm going to stay with my aunt this summer".