ENGLISH
REFERENCE

next to

prepositional phrase.
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.


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.

Last updated July 31, 2026