What is the Difference Between Beside and Besides?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between "beside" and "besides" lies in their meanings and usage:

  • Beside: This word is used as a preposition, meaning "close to" or "next to". It is also used as an adverb, meaning "compared with" or "apart from". For example:
  • I placed the book beside the laptop on the table.
  • He sat beside me during the movie.
  • Besides: This word is used as a preposition, meaning "in addition to" or "apart from". It can also serve as an adverb, meaning "furthermore" or "another thing". For example:
  • I don't want to go to the party; besides, I have a lot of work to do.
  • The restaurant serves pizza, hamburgers, and many other foods besides.

In summary, "beside" is used to indicate location or comparison, while "besides" is used to indicate addition or an extra point.

Comparative Table: Beside vs Besides

The main difference between "beside" and "besides" lies in their usage and meaning. Here is a table comparing the two:

Beside Besides
Meaning: "NEXT TO" or "AT THE SIDE OF". Used as a preposition and an adverb. Meaning: "IN ADDITION TO" or "AS WELL AS". Used as a preposition and an adverb.
Example: "I sat down beside my wife.". Example: "What languages do you know besides Arabic and English?".
Can be used to link clauses with an -ing form. Can be used to introduce a clause beginning with an -ing form.
Can be used as an adverb to make an additional point or give an additional reason.

In summary, "beside" is used to indicate the location of something next to or at the side of another object, while "besides" is used to mean "in addition to" or "as well as".