next to

• À côté de, tout près de; également au sens figuré : presque, en comparaison de, ou à la place de quelque chose.

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.

   à côté de

   • 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.

   à côté (dans une séquence)

   • 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'.

   presque, pratiquement

   • 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.

   Comparaison / préférence

   • 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.

   Proximité affective / soutien

   • 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