# alongside

/əˈɫɔŋˈsaɪd/ (US) · /ɐlˈɒŋsaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alongside
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. next to

preposition · CEFR B1

next to or by the side of something.

For teachers: positioned physically adjacent to or parallel with something else.

- The cyclist rode alongside the bus for several blocks.
- The luxury yacht was moored alongside the pier, dwarfing the smaller fishing vessels that occupied the rest of the harbour.

### 2. together with

preposition · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: in cooperation with or occurring simultaneously with another person, group, or event.

- She worked alongside her father in the family business for ten years.
- The new environmental regulations were introduced alongside a series of tax incentives designed to encourage green investment.

### 3. by the side

adverb · CEFR B2

next to something or in a position parallel to it.

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

- The police car pulled alongside and signaled for the driver to stop.
- As the two ships drew alongside, the crews prepared to transfer the supplies using a series of heavy ropes and pulleys.

## Examples

- The small boat sailed alongside for several miles.
- The new highway was built to run alongside the existing railway tracks to minimize environmental impact.
- As the flagship entered the harbor, several smaller tugboats moved alongside to guide the massive vessel toward its designated berth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.