1. Name the place and show where it is
The location phrase comes after is or are: The bank is next to the post office. Bank is the place we are looking for; next to means “immediately beside”; the post office is a familiar landmark.
On Main Street identifies the street; next to the bank means beside the bank; across from the bank means opposite the bank. On the left/right identifies a side relative to the direction you are facing.
place + is / are + location phrase
The bank is on Main Street.
The bank is **on** Main Street.
On connects the bank with the street name.
The library is next to the post office.
The library is **next to** the post office.
The post office is the neighbouring landmark beside the library.
2. Beside or opposite?
Next to means immediately beside. It can describe buildings, rooms or objects; the phrase does not require a street to be present.
Across from means opposite, on the other side of a space such as a road or room. British English also commonly uses opposite for this.
The school is next to the park.
The school is **next to** the park.
The places are neighbours.
The school is across from the park.
The school is **across from** the park.
A space separates one side from the other.
3. Streets, addresses and varieties of English
On + street name is a common pattern: on Oxford Street. In British usage, in Oxford Street is also possible. Do not label this alternative incorrect simply because it uses in.
A full address with a number is usually introduced by at: at 12 Green Street. A street name and an exact address give different levels of detail.
The shop is on Oxford Street.
The shop is **on** Oxford Street.
A usual way to name the street.
The office is at 12 Green Street.
The office is **at** 12 Green Street.
At introduces a specific numbered address.
4. Whose left and right?
On the left and on the right depend on where a person is facing or moving. If the direction is unclear, add a reference point: as you leave the station, or when you face the park.
These phrases need the: on the right. They describe a location. Turn right is a different phrase, instructing someone to move in a particular direction.
The pharmacy is on the right as you leave the station.
The pharmacy is **on the right** as you leave the station.
Leaving the station sets the direction from which we identify the right-hand side.
The café is on the left of the entrance.
The café is **on the left** of the entrance.
The entrance is the landmark used to describe the location.
5. Give the listener enough information
Start with the street or a familiar place, then specify a neighbour or the opposite side. You do not need to add every phrase you have learned if one is sufficient.
When combining two landmarks, name each one explicitly. Check that it is clear which place is beside another, and which is opposite.
The shop is on Market Street, next to the café.
The shop is **on** Market Street, **next to** the café.
First the street, then the more precise neighbouring landmark.
The station is next to the shopping centre. The park is across from both buildings.
The station is **next to** the shopping centre. The park is **across from** both buildings.
Two sentences clearly distinguish being next to a place from being opposite it.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:The post office is in the right.
Correct:The post office is on the right.
Use on the right for this location meaning.
Incorrect:The library is next the bank.
Correct:The library is next to the bank.
The phrase is next to; it needs to before the landmark.
Incorrect:The café is across from of the park.
Correct:The café is across from the park.
Across from already introduces the landmark; no additional of is needed.
Incorrect:The shop on Main Street.
Correct:The shop is on Main Street.
A complete standard statement about location needs the linking verb is after the shop.