The phrase "next to" refers to the position of one object or person being immediately adjacent to another. For example, if a chair is placed next to a table, it means the chair is right beside the table, sharing a boundary without any other object in between. In everyday language, "next to" can also indicate a relationship or comparison. For instance, saying that Alice is next to Bob in a line means Alice is directly beside Bob. This phrase helps clarify spatial relationships in various contexts, such as in homes, offices, or public spaces.