English Reference
preposition · adverb

alongside

prep. · adv.
US /əˈɫɔŋˈsaɪd/ UK /ɐlˈɒŋsaɪd/ along·side

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    prep.next to or by the side of something.

    prep.positioned physically adjacent to or parallel with something else.

    Simple

    The cyclist rode alongside the bus for several blocks.

    In context

    The luxury yacht was moored alongside the pier, dwarfing the smaller fishing vessels that occupied the rest of the harbour.

    besidenext toparallel to
    far from
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    prep.working together with someone or happening at the same time as something.

    prep.in cooperation with or occurring simultaneously with another person, group, or event.

    Simple

    She worked alongside her father in the family business for ten years.

    In context

    The new environmental regulations were introduced alongside a series of tax incentives designed to encourage green investment.

    together within addition to
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adv.next to something or in a position parallel to it.

    adv.in a position along the side of something; often used in nautical or transport contexts.

    Simple

    The police car pulled alongside and signaled for the driver to stop.

    In context

    As the two ships drew alongside, the crews prepared to transfer the supplies using a series of heavy ropes and pulleys.

Recent videos have emerged from Qusra showing Israeli soldiers appearing to pray alongside the settlers holding families under siege there.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Víctor spent much of Monday afternoon and into the early hours alongside rescuers and volunteers, in a place where the mood could shift within minutes.

UN News· 13 Aug 2026

From along + side; compare alongsides.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated