When it comes to expressing the concept of “alongside,” there are various words and phrases you can use, depending on the context and level of formality. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “alongside” and provide tips, examples, and regional variations to enrich your vocabulary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Alongside”
If you’re aiming for a more formal tone, consider using these alternatives for “alongside”:
- Beside: This word suggests a position next to someone or something. For example, “She sat beside her colleague during the meeting.”
- Next to: Similar to “beside,” this phrase implies physical proximity. For instance, “The bookstore is located next to the café.”
- In conjunction with: This phrase emphasizes a collaborative or simultaneous action. For instance, “The company worked in conjunction with a nonprofit organization to promote sustainability.”
- Side by side: This expression portrays two things existing or happening together. For example, “They worked side by side to complete the project.”
- In parallel with: Use this phrase when two things occur simultaneously or share a similar path. For instance, “The research was conducted in parallel with ongoing experiments.”
Informal Ways to Say “Alongside”
If informality is more appropriate for your context, here are some colloquial alternatives for “alongside”:
- Next door to: This phrase is commonly used to describe something located nearby. For example, “The new restaurant is next door to the movie theater.”
- Beside: In informal settings, “beside” can be used to convey proximity. For instance, “Her brother is beside her in the family photo.”
- Right by: This expression suggests something being very close or adjacent. For example, “The park is right by the beach, so you can easily walk between the two.”
- Together with: Use this phrase when referring to two things happening simultaneously or in collaboration. For instance, “They worked together with their teammates to win the championship.”
- Side by side: Similar to the formal usage, “side by side” can also be used informally to represent two things happening together. For example, “They walked side by side, sharing stories along the way.”
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples to help you understand and use the alternatives for “alongside” more effectively:
- Context matters: Consider the context in which you’re using these alternatives to ensure they align with your overall message.
- Vary your vocabulary: While using alternatives for “alongside” can enhance your writing, it’s essential to vary your word choice to avoid repetition.
- Pay attention to prepositions: Depending on the alternative you choose, make sure the appropriate preposition is used to maintain clarity and accuracy.
Example: The team discussed the project in conjunction with their partners before making a final decision.
Remember, regional variations exist in language usage, so it’s essential to adapt accordingly based on your audience or the English-speaking region you’re in. However, the alternatives provided in this guide are widely understood and used across various English-speaking communities.
By expanding your vocabulary and gaining familiarity with these alternatives for “alongside,” you’ll be able to express yourself more fluently and create engaging, diverse conversations or written pieces.
