next to

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello,

I’d like to know what someone meant when he said:

"Montreal il the largest French speaking city in the world next to Paris. "

Did he mean that Paris is the largest city and montreal is in the second place ?

Could you give me some expresions having the same meaning?

Thanks,

Mely

2

You are exactly right. I would’ve placed a comma before “next to.” “Second-largest” has the equivalent meaning. “After” would’ve worked as well.

3

Yes, next to = nearest in space or position to. For example, 2 is the smallest natural number next to 1. It would be an easy way to understand the word next by regarding it as the superlative of nigh: nigh, near, next.

4

Oops, Mordant! :slight_smile:

5

Thanks a lot. Your explanations were very clear :slight_smile: