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be with

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To be someone's boyfriend/girlfriend, to understand what someone is saying, or to agree with them.

Literal meaning: To be in the physical presence of someone.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To be in a romantic relationship with someone.

"How long have you been with your partner?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic informal

To understand or follow what someone is saying.

"I lost you at the third step — are you able to go back? I'm not with you."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

To support or agree with someone's position or idea.

"I'm completely with you on the need for more funding for public transport."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday speech. 'Are you with me?' means 'do you understand?' in informal conversation. 'I'm with you on this' means 'I agree with you'. The romantic sense is more informal than 'be in a relationship with'.

Commonly used with

someone me you them idea plan

Forms

Base
be with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
is with
he/she/it
Past simple
was/were with
yesterday
Past participle
been with
have + pp
-ing form
being with
continuous

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