What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beside
Example
The book is beside the lamp on the table. [beside: preposition]
Example
She sat beside her best friend during the movie. [beside: adverb]
by
Example
The car is parked by the tree. [by: preposition]
Example
He fixed the broken chair by using glue. [by: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
By is more commonly used than beside in everyday language. By is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while beside is less common and tends to be used in more formal situations or when emphasizing physical proximity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beside and by?
While beside is typically associated with a more formal tone, by is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
