The phrase "alongside of" is often used in colloquial English to indicate something or someone being placed next to or beside another thing or person. However, the use of the word "of" in this phrase is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is simply "alongside." The phonetic transcription for "alongside" is /əˌlɔŋˈsaɪd/. It is important to use correct grammar and spelling in written and spoken language to ensure clear and effective communication.
The phrase "alongside of" is an idiomatic expression that is primarily used in informal or colloquial English. It is a preposition phrase that implies two or more objects or individuals positioned side by side, often in close proximity or within a similar context.
The term "alongside of" is often used interchangeably with "alongside" or "beside," but it includes the preposition "of," which demonstrates a more informal usage. Typically, it implies a sense of closeness or parallelism between the entities being referred to, emphasizing their nearness in place or time.
For example, one might say, "The new building stands alongside of the old church," to indicate that both structures are positioned next to each other in the same location. Another instance may be, "The new employee worked alongside of her mentor," signifying that the two individuals collaborated closely and shared duties.
While "alongside of" is widely understood and used, it is important to note that some linguists or purists may consider it non-standard or unnecessary. In formal writing or more official contexts, the usage of "alongside" or "beside" alone is preferred. Nonetheless, "alongside of" remains a commonly utilized phrase in casual conversations, informal writing, and everyday speech.
The word "alongside" is derived from the Old English word "alongeside", which can be further broken down into two components: "along" and "side".
The term "along" can be traced back to the Middle English word "alonge", meaning "onward" or "forward". It is a combination of the words "a-" (meaning "on") and "long" (meaning "length").
The word "side" originated from the Old English word "sīde", which translates to "edge" or "border". This term is related to the Old Norse word "síða" and the German word "Seite".
Over time, the combination of "along" and "side" composed the phrase "alongside", which means "beside" or "next to" someone or something.