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I would like to know the difference between along with and alongside, if any. Where is correct usage of both words?

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This question can be improved by showing the results of your own attempts at research before posting the question. That is basic site etiquette. – MετάEd Oct 3 '12 at 5:59
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Dictionaries generally include examples of "correct usage of both words," and in order that we don't waste time reproducing that, it would be very helpful to state what you found and why that is inadequate. As it stands, your question is General Reference. – Andrew Leach Oct 3 '12 at 7:19
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Please read our guidelines for writing meaning questions. – Matt Эллен Oct 3 '12 at 7:47

closed as general reference by Andrew Leach, Carlo_R., Matt Эллен, MετάEd, Daniel δ Oct 3 '12 at 16:14

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1 Answer

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According to NOAD, along with is a phrase and means together with or accompanying.

She crossed the bridge along with her mom.

Alongside on the other hand is a preposition and means close to the side of, next to; in cooperation with, at the same time as or in coexistence with.

She was sitting alongside her mom at the bus stop.

Mike was working alongside him.

Alongside the restrictions at English.SE there's an alternative for English learners.

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Hmmm. Interesting usage: "Alongside the restrictions at English.SE". I don't think I'd say it that way, though, because I don't think it means what you want it to say or says what it means. [No downvote, though.] – user21497 Oct 3 '12 at 7:17
@BillFranke: I thought the same and sounds kind of awkward to me. But NOAD has a similar example: alongside the development of full-time courses there had to be provision for the part-time student. Thoughts? – Noah Oct 3 '12 at 7:19
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Only that what I think is strictly my personal opinion and that lots of other folks have different ideas. When I was a linguistics graduate student, I was always surprised by what the big guns at MIT thought was idiomatic, standard, normal, and acceptable English. My gut said: Maybe for the purposes of your paper, dude, but sure as hell not in my idiolect. I think they frequently used the phrase "possible in English". Many things are "possible in English", but that doesn't make them good, etc. – user21497 Oct 3 '12 at 7:26

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