alongside
uh-long-SYD
Alongside (prep) means Next to, beside, or together with. Example: “She worked alongside her father in the family business.”
prep
1
Next to, beside, or together with.
"She worked alongside her father in the family business."
"The new policy will run alongside the existing one."
"The cyclists rode alongside the canal for most of the afternoon."
How to use alongside
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRight next to, or at the same time as, something/someone else.
Common pairings
work alongside
sit alongside
run alongside
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Etymology
Formed from along + side.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for alongside
See all rhymes for alongside →Frequently asked questions
What does “alongside” mean?
The word “alongside” means next to, beside, or together with. In plain terms, right next to, or at the same time as, something/someone else.
How do you pronounce “alongside”?
“Alongside” is pronounced uh-long-SYD (/əˌlɔŋˈsaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “alongside” in a sentence?
Here is “alongside” used in a sentence: “She worked alongside her father in the family business.”
What part of speech is “alongside”?
“Alongside” is a preposition.
Is “alongside” a common word?
“Alongside” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between alongside and beside?
Both mean next to something, and often you can swap them. 'Beside' is the simple, everyday choice for physical position, like the cup beside the plate. 'Alongside' suggests things running parallel or moving together, and it also carries the figurative sense of working together, as in 'she trained alongside her rivals.'
Is 'alongside' one word or two?
In modern English it is written as one word: alongside. The two-word form 'along side' is considered an error. Whether you use it as a preposition ('parked alongside the van') or an adverb ('a boat pulled up alongside'), keep it joined together as a single word.
Can 'alongside' mean working together?
Yes. Beyond simple physical position, alongside often describes people or things cooperating or existing together. 'He worked alongside the medical team' means he worked with them as partners. This figurative use is very common in professional writing, where it signals collaboration rather than just standing next to someone.
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