What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alongside
Example
The river flows alongside the road. [alongside: preposition]
Example
She worked alongside her colleagues to complete the project. [alongside: adverb]
Example
The new technology developed alongside the old one. [alongside: preposition]
by
Example
The cat is sitting by the window. [by: preposition]
Example
I learned how to cook by watching cooking shows. [by: preposition]
Example
The painting was created by a famous artist. [by: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
By is more commonly used than alongside in everyday language. By is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while alongside is less common and has more specific uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alongside and by?
By is generally considered more formal than alongside. While by can be used in both formal and informal contexts, alongside is typically associated with a more casual tone and is less commonly used in formal settings.
