next to the machine vs near the machine

Both "next to the machine" and "near the machine" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Next to the machine" implies a very close proximity, almost touching the machine, while "near the machine" suggests a general vicinity without specifying the exact distance.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1048 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"next to the machine"

This phrase is used to indicate a very close proximity to the machine, almost touching it.

Examples:

Please stand next to the machine while I explain how it works.
The toolbox is next to the machine in the workshop.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm moving all your favorite coffee cups next to the machine, so you don't have to shuffle back and forth.
I have a junior room on the second floor right next to the ice machine.
I have a junior room on the second floor right next to the ice machine.
My mom died alone on the laundry room floor Next to the change machine,
I found it next to the cash machine, and I've always kept it.
The manager recognized Wil and let us sit right next to the frozen yogurt machine.
The manager recognized Wil and let us sit right next to the frozen yogurt machine.
But does it have to be next to the feminine hygiene machine?
Does it have to be next to the feminine-hygiene machine?
I found it in the time machine next to the pong game.
The next machine that hits the shelves is either faster or cheaper.
People entering or passing through the area to the rear of a vehicle, next to a machine's right-hand swivel arm or behind its shovel, are not seen and may be hit, often with fatal consequences.
Mr. Janitor, you're standing next to a machine right now.
Where's the next cigarette machine?
I hope it's next to a vending machine, 'cause I'm... huge!
I hear we're getting a frappucino machine next month.
He's a next-generation storm-tracking machine.
In the next invasion, 11 machines were released.
Next time some machine fraks up, it might not just take out a Raptor.
What happens when it designs the next that gen machine designs another?

Alternatives:

beside the machine
by the machine
adjacent to the machine
alongside the machine
close to the machine

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"near the machine"

This phrase is used to indicate a general vicinity or proximity to the machine without specifying the exact distance.

Examples:

The parking lot is near the machine shop.
She lives near the machine factory.

Show examples from the web [+]

Kip, don't go near the fax machine.
I don't get anywhere near the voting machines.
He's on the third floor near the weight machines.
It's best on the second floor, near the ice machine.
Measurements for this recording are to be taken in the immediate vicinity of the model (but not on the leeside) - see figure a below - and also near the wave-making machine.
nominal and measured wave spectra (near the wave-making machine and near the model respectively)
No windows, no clocks, constant near-misses at the slot machines daring you just to take one more spin.
And you were nowhere near Machine's gym last night?
He's playing a penny machine near Langston and Heidi.
If you've got a penny and you're near a machine, you put it in.
This derogation has now been abolished and minors are in fact forbidden to go near dangerous machines and cannot receive the training they need in the operation of these machines.
Is there an ATM machine near here?
All right, so they said the vending machine was in the hall near the water fountain.
It's a machine that will send particles around a tunnel, opposite directions, near the speed of light.
All right, so they said the vending machine was in the hall near the water fountain.
One tunnelling machine has been blocked near the Llobregat River for some months without anyone knowing how to solve the situation.
Dad, the Founder wants you in the Machine, you can't go anywhere near it.
The machine we found out near Saturn when we found you. Yes.
Assumption 2: budgets/forecasts approved by management reflect a commitment of management to replace the machine and sell it in the near future.
In this machine, a beam of protons and anti-protons are accelerated to near the speed of light and brought together in a collision, producing a burst of pure energy.

Alternatives:

close to the machine
by the machine
around the machine
in the vicinity of the machine
proximate to the machine

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next to the machine vs near the machine