The phrase "along side of" is often used in spoken English, but it is not considered standard English. The correct form is "alongside" which means alongside, next to or beside. The spelling of this word is determined by the pronunciation /əˌlɔŋˈsaɪd/ with stress on the second syllable. The correct spelling is crucial for clear communication and can prevent confusion or misinterpretation of meaning. So, next time, let's try to use "alongside" instead of "along side of".
"Alongside of" is a prepositional phrase that is commonly used to indicate extension, proximity, or parallelism between two entities or objects. It implies that something or someone is positioned or situated close to another object or person, in a parallel or adjacent manner.
In a literal sense, "alongside of" suggests the idea of being beside or next to something or someone. It implies a spatial relationship wherein two entities are located side by side, running in the same direction, or in close proximity. For instance, one might say, "The dog walked alongside of its owner" to mean that the dog walked beside their owner, walking parallel to them or in close vicinity.
However, "alongside of" can also be used in a figurative context, indicating cooperation, collaboration, or the involvement of multiple parties simultaneously. It suggests the idea of working together or being companions in a shared endeavor. For example, "The scientists worked alongside of the engineers to develop the new technology" suggests a collaborative effort between the scientists and engineers, as they both contributed to the development of the technology.
Overall, "alongside of" expresses the concepts of physical or metaphorical proximity, parallelism, collaboration, or cooperation between two entities or individuals.