# belong with

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/belong-with
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- Those books belong with the others on the top shelf.
- She finally felt like she belonged with that group of friends because they shared her interests.
- The curator argued that the ancient artifact belonged with the rest of the collection in the national museum rather than in a private gallery.

## Pitfalls

- Not "This chair belongs with me." but "This chair belongs to me." — use 'belong to' for legal ownership; 'belong with' implies that two things should be kept together because they match.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.