All Ears English Podcast

AEE 2553: Near Versus Nearby in English

26 snips
Jan 22, 2026
Explore the intriguing differences between "near" and "nearby" in English! Discover how "near" acts as a preposition while "nearby" does not. Learn practical examples for their use in everyday conversation, especially in the US. Delve into time expressions and how both terms can describe location. Enjoy a roleplay about college towns to see these concepts in action. Plus, get tips on mastering these nuances without stressing over minor errors!
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INSIGHT

Same Meaning, Different Grammar

  • Near and nearby both mean 'close' but follow different grammar rules.
  • Recognizing parts of speech fixes most confusion between them.
ADVICE

Use Near For Prepositions

  • Use near as a preposition and avoid using nearby that way.
  • Treat nearby as never functioning as a preposition in standard grammar.
INSIGHT

Spot Prepositions By What Follows

  • If a word is followed by a noun or noun phrase, near is acting as a preposition.
  • Examples include 'near my house' and 'near the entrance.'
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