The debate over whether to use “along side” or “alongside” has puzzled learners and even native English speakers for years. At first glance, both seem correct. They share similar components and meanings, and they both describe physical or metaphorical proximity. Understanding their differences is essential for accurate and effective communication.
This comprehensive guide will help you master the distinctions between along side and alongside. We’ll explore definitions, meanings, usage, origins, synonyms, and practical examples. By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in deciding which form to use in your writing and conversations.
What Is There Confusion Along Side or Alongside?
The confusion between along side and alongside arises mainly due to their similar spellings and overlapping meanings. The phrase along side appears logical as it combines two common words in English. Historically, it was frequently used in literature and communication. However, over time, the compound word alongside gained dominance as a simpler, more streamlined expression.
One reason this confusion persists is the way English evolves. Older British texts often used along side to express physical proximity. Modern English, influenced by trends toward brevity and clarity, has embraced alongside as the preferred form. This shift can be challenging for learners and even experienced writers who rely on older grammar rules.
Is the Along Side Word Correct?
The phrase along side consists of two distinct words: “along” and “side.” Individually, these words have their own meanings that, when combined, convey the idea of something being next to or in proximity to another object.
Definition
- Along typically means “in the direction of” or “moving parallel to something.” It implies movement along a certain path or edge.
- Side refers to “a part of something’s edge or boundary” or “a specific position in relation to something else.”
When used together, along side might suggest something is next to or at the edge of something, such as “walking along the side of the road.” In this context, it can imply physical proximity or being adjacent to something, but the combination of these two words lacks the smoothness and simplicity of alongside, making it somewhat awkward in modern usage.
Meaning
While along side can convey physical proximity (e.g., “The car was parked along the side of the building”), it doesn’t carry the same fluidity or cohesiveness as alongside. This lack of clarity and smoothness is one reason why along side is rarely used in current, formal writing. Modern English grammar tends to favor compound words, like alongside, which more efficiently communicate the intended meaning.
Usage
Historically, along side was used in older texts, and you might still come across it in informal or poetic writing. However, it’s now largely considered outdated in contemporary English. Today, the grammatically correct form in most contexts is alongside.
In terms of usage, along side is generally regarded as incorrect and awkward in formal or professional settings. Grammar experts, including English tutors online, strongly advise using alongside instead, as it aligns better with modern grammar rules and aids in clear, efficient communication.
Is the Word Alongside Correct?
In contrast to along side, alongside is a compound word formed by combining along and side into a single term. This evolution has made alongside more succinct, clear, and grammatically preferred in contemporary English.
Definition:
Alongside functions as both a preposition and an adverb, and it is used to express ideas such as “next to,” “beside,” or “in parallel with.”
- As a preposition, alongside describes physical proximity, such as “The officer stood alongside his colleague.”
- As an adverb, it can indicate parallel actions or alignment, as seen in, “The boats sailed alongside the coastline.”
Because alongside is more versatile, it can easily convey both literal proximity (physical side-by-side positioning) and metaphorical alignment (working together or in parallel).
Meaning:
- Physical proximity: “The dog sat alongside its owner during the picnic.”
- Collaboration: “The manager worked alongside the team to ensure the project was successful.”
- Parallel actions: “The athletes ran alongside each other on the track.”
Alongside has expanded its usage to cover not just physical proximity but also working in cooperation or performing tasks together, making it an ideal choice in both casual and formal contexts.
Usage:
In modern English, alongside is the correct and preferred choice in both informal and formal contexts. Unlike along side, which often feels disjointed, alongside is more seamless and polished. Its use helps eliminate any confusion and allows for clearer, more concise communication.
- Business context: “The director worked alongside the team to develop a marketing strategy.”
- Professional or casual context: “The volunteers worked alongside each other to set up the event.”
- Military or formal context: “The soldiers stood alongside their comrades during the ceremony.”
Quick Summary
| Aspect | Along Side | Alongside |
| Definition | Two separate words meaning “along the side of” | A single word meaning “next to” or “beside” |
| Usage | Rare, outdated | Common, modern |
| Formality | Informal, old-fashioned | Suitable for all contexts |
Along Side or Alongside as Parts of Speech
Alongside functions as both a preposition and an adverb. As a preposition, it indicates physical location, such as “She sat alongside her brother.” As an adverb, it describes an action done in parallel, like “The dogs ran alongside the horses.”
In contrast, along side does not function as a cohesive grammatical unit. Instead, it represents two words placed together, which can lead to ambiguity or confusion. Modern grammar usage treats alongside as the more appropriate and efficient option.
Pronunciation of Along Side or Alongside
The pronunciation of alongside is straightforward: /əˈlɔŋˌsaɪd/. The emphasis falls on the “long” and “side,” making it easy to say and understand. While along side might sound similar, alongside is smoother and more natural in everyday speech. This simplicity is another reason why it has become the dominant choice in modern English.
Side-by-Side Comparison Along Side or Alongside
| Feature | Along Side | Alongside |
| Spelling Simplicity | Two words | One word |
| Modern Use | Rarely accepted | Widely accepted |
| Ease of Understanding | Ambiguous | Clear and direct |
Which One Is More Acceptable Along Side or Alongside?
English, alongside, is the more acceptable spelling. Modern grammar rules and writing conventions favor compact and precise terms like alongside. This preference is reinforced by online tutoring platforms and English grammar tips, which consistently recommend using the compound word.
Along Side in British English and American English
Both British and American English recognize alongside as the standard spelling. In British English, alongside has been widely used since the Middle English period. Along side occasionally appears in historical texts but is rare in modern usage.
In American English, alongside is equally dominant, especially in both formal and informal contexts. Whether you’re preparing for English test preparation or writing a professional email, alongside is the universally accepted choice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake learners make is assuming that along side and alongside are interchangeable. This error often stems from outdated resources or a lack of clarity in grammar rules. To avoid this, always consult learn English resources like English tutors online or reliable grammar guides.
Another tip is to read your sentences aloud. If “along side” feels clunky or awkward, replace it with alongside for a smoother and more natural flow.
Trick to Remember the Difference Along Side or Alongside
An easy way to remember the difference is to focus on the compactness of alongside. Think of it as a single, unified idea—just like its meaning. Picture two people standing next to each other; this visual can help solidify the word’s usage in your mind.
Origins of Along Side or Alongside
The separate words along and side have roots in Old English. Both words were commonly used independently to describe direction and location. For example, the phrase “walking along the side of the hill” would have been a familiar expression, where along indicated direction referred to the edge or boundary of something. Over time, these words were often used together in this manner, but the combination didn’t yet form a unified term.
The compound word alongside emerged during the Middle English period, likely as a result of the need for a more concise way to express proximity or being next to something. This change reflected the natural evolution of English toward more efficient, streamlined communication. The shift from two words to one also mirrored broader trends in language development during this time, simplifying commonly used expressions for ease of use.
Synonyms of Along Side or Alongside
Along Side
- Beside
- Near
- Next to
- Close to
- Adjacent to
- By the side of
- In proximity to
- Along with
- Near to
- Close beside
Alongside
- Next to
- Beside
- Along with
- Near
- Shoulder to shoulder with
- Together with
- In line with
- Adjacent to
- Parallel with
- On the same side as
Sentences in Daily Usage of Along Side or Alongside
Alongside
- The officer stood alongside her colleague during the parade.
- The ship sailed alongside the coastline for hours.
- The teacher worked alongside her students to finish the project.
- He sat alongside his friend at the concert.
- The dog slept alongside its owner on the couch.
- The workers built the house alongside the road.
- The two companies collaborated closely, working alongside each other.
- The soldiers marched alongside one another in perfect formation.
- The doctor worked alongside her team to care for the patients.
- She sat alongside her grandmother at the family gathering.
FAQs
What does “alongside” mean?
It means “next to” or “beside.”
Is “along side” ever correct?
Rarely, and it’s mostly outdated.
Can I use “alongside” in formal writing?
Yes, it is widely accepted.
Are “beside” and “alongside” the same?
They are similar but not always interchangeable.
Where can I learn more about grammar rules?
Try online tutoring platforms or English grammar tips resources.
Conclusion
Alongside instead of Along side aligns with contemporary English grammar and enhances clarity. It is a concise, clear, and versatile term that fits a variety of contexts, both formal and informal. By adopting the correct usage, you improve your communication and grammar skills.
To further strengthen your command of English, consider utilizing online tutors, language learning resources, and practicing with real-world examples. Mastering distinctions like this one will not only boost your confidence but also help you achieve your English learning goals and refine your language abilities.
Alex Hormozi is a seasoned blogger at Vocab Loop, known for his deep insights into language, vocabulary, and grammar. With years of experience in writing, Alex shares practical tips and effective strategies to help readers improve their linguistic skills and enhance their writing abilities.