Word
next to
Definition
prepositional phrase. at the side of someone or something; very close to a person or object.
prepositional phrase. indicating a position immediately adjacent to or beside a reference point.
Examples
“The bank is next to the post office.”
“I sat next to my brother during the movie so we could share the popcorn.”
“The historic library stands next to a modern glass skyscraper, creating a striking architectural contrast in the city center.”
Examples
simple
“The bank is next to the post office.”
contextual
“I sat next to my brother during the movie so we could share the popcorn.”
complex
“The historic library stands next to a modern glass skyscraper, creating a striking architectural contrast in the city center.”
Usage
always requires the particle 'to' before the following noun or pronoun.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'near' to show that 'next to' implies immediate adjacency with nothing in between, whereas 'near' just means close by.
Pitfall
The chair is next the table.
The chair is next to the table.
learners often omit the required preposition 'to' after 'next' when indicating location.