next to

• حرف جر يدل على المجاورة أو القرب في المكان، وعلى المقارنة أو المفاضلة، وعلى القرب في الرتبة أو الدرجة أو شبه الشيء.

The compound preposition 'next to' indicates immediate proximity or a position close to another thing; it is also used in the sense of 'almost', 'all but' to intensify a statement, and in comparisons to express preference.

1. Immediate proximity / positionA1formal

   Indicates that a thing or person is in the immediate vicinity of another, often touching it or placed right against it.

   بجانب، بالقرب من

   • She sat next to me on the bus
   • The bank is next to the post office
   • Put the chair next to the table

2. Order in a sequenceA2formal

   Indicates the position of a thing or person in a sequence, list or queue immediately after or before another.

   الترتيب في التسلسل

   • Your name is next to mine on the list
   • Who is next to speak?
   • The chapter next to the introduction is about methods

3. Almost / all but (intensifying)B1informal

   Used informally to intensify a statement, meaning 'almost', 'practically', 'all but'.

   تقريبًا، يكاد

   • It's next to impossible to finish today
   • He knows next to nothing about art
   • The project cost next to nothing

4. Comparison / preferenceB2formal

   Used to compare two things, actions or situations, often with a preference for one over the other.

   المقارنة والتفضيل

   • Next to swimming, I like cycling best
   • Next to her, everyone else seemed boring
   • I prefer tea next to coffee

5. Closeness in relationships / supportB1informal

   Indicates emotional closeness, support or solidarity with a person or group.

   بجانب، مع، إلى جانب

   • I'll be right next to you during the presentation
   • She stood next to her friend in difficult times
   • We're next to each other in this fight