Along with/together with/alongside

Question

Can anyone give the differences of nuance if any of these expressions?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I'd need some particular problematic examples from you, Vmt (do you mind if I call you VMT-- your combination of letters is particularly hard to memorize, even in short-term memory).

Sentences that spring to mind:

(1)
I like sausage along with my eggs.
I like sausage together with my eggs.
I like sausage alongside my eggs.

(2)
I'm studying Aeronautics along with Astrophysics.
I'm studying Aeronautics together with Astrophysics.
I'm studying Aeronautics alongside Astrophysics.

(3)
He's going to Sri Lanka along with his school class.
He's going to Sri Lanka together with his school class.
He's going to Sri Lanka alongside his school class.

Judging from these, I notice that 'alongside' is more a physical relationship than the others, so that it works best in (1); 'along with' seems to subordinate the sausage, the aeronautics, and him while 'together with' puts both items of each situation on a more equal footing. The only sentence that does not seem very probable/possible is (3c); evidently 'alongside' tends to physically isolate the two items as well, which seems a bit illogical for situation (3).

Perhaps others have access to some rule of thumb?

Vmtnezgil · Answer

thanks MrMcawber and no problem you can call me like that (though I'd prefer VMG as then the initials of my name and 2 surnames would appear!)...

Along with/together with/alongside

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