Beside vs Besides: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word "beside" means 'next to', while "besides" is used to mean 'also' or 'apart from that'.
Memory Tip: beside = next to, besides = in addition
beside
prepositionThe preposition "beside" indicates a position next to or alongside something or someone.
Example:
I sat beside my friend during the concert, and we talked about the music all night.
Common patterns:
beside the point
beside oneself
beside the river
besides
preposition"Besides" is used to indicate that something is in addition to what has already been mentioned or considered.
Example:
Besides studying for exams, I also have to finish my project by Friday.
Common patterns:
besides that
besides the point
besides which
Common Mistakes
She sat besides her friend at the concert.
She sat beside her friend at the concert.
The word 'beside' is correct here because it means 'next to'.
Besides the point, I think we should consider other options.
Beside the point, I think we should consider other options.
The word 'beside' is correct here because it means 'apart from' in the context of 'beside the point'.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I sat ____ my friend during the concert, and we talked about the music all night.
2. ____ studying for exams, I also have to finish my project by Friday.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse beside / besides again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
