ENGLISH
REFERENCE

belong with

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to be in the right place because you fit in or match with someone or something else.

phr. v.. to be appropriately placed or classified in association with another person, group, or category due to shared qualities or mutual suitability.


SIMPLE

Those books belong with the others on the top shelf.

CONTEXTUAL

She finally felt like she belonged with that group of friends because they shared her interests.

COMPLEX

The curator argued that the ancient artifact belonged with the rest of the collection in the national museum rather than in a private gallery.

Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
belong + with + object
Usage

usually followed by a person, a group, or a specific category of objects.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'belong to' (ownership); 'belong with' focuses on compatibility, harmony, or logical grouping rather than possession.

Pitfall

This chair belongs with me.This chair belongs to me.use 'belong to' for legal ownership; 'belong with' implies that two things should be kept together because they match.

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