One app for all your study abroad needs
Beside and Besides are commonly confused with each other despite the differences in their meanings. However, as we know, they are spelt almost similarly, but each represents a different meaning. Beside is a preposition that defines something ‘close to’ or ‘next to.’ Whereas, Besides is used to define “in addition to” or “apart from.” To cover more about the beside & besides prepositions, continue reading the blog post below.
This Blog Includes:
Meaning of Beside
Beside is a preposition indicating the place. The preposition beside physically places two nouns side by side. It can be used to indicate the location of something. For example, “Your shoes are beside mine.”
Beside Preposition Examples
Here are some examples explaining the usage of beside prepositions:
- She sat beside her friend during the movie.
- The book is beside the lamp on the table.
- The cat slept beside the fireplace.
- His performance pales beside hers.
- She felt insignificant beside her older siblings.
- The new restaurant doesn’t compare beside the old one.
Usage of Beside in a Sentence
Here’s a sentence using “beside” along with an explanation:
Example: “The child stood beside his mother, clutching her hand tightly.”
Explanation: In this sentence, “beside” is used as a preposition to indicate the location of the child in relation to his mother. It means that the child is positioned next to or alongside his mother. Simply put, the word “beside” helps to provide context and spatial information, showing the proximity between the child and his mother.
Also Read: Active Passive Voice Chart PDF for Easy Learning
Meaning of Besides
The word “besides” is commonly used in English to add extra information or to show that something is in addition to what has already been mentioned. Basically, besides means apart from, in addition to, or other than.
Besides Preposition Examples
The word “besides” is commonly used as a preposition to mean “in addition to” or “apart from.” It helps add extra information to a sentence and shows inclusion. Here are some clear and simple examples of besides used as a preposition:
- Besides studies, students should focus on skills.
- Besides English, she speaks French and Spanish.
- Besides his job, he runs a small online business.
- Besides food, the package included drinks and snacks.
- Who else besides you knows the truth?
Using Besides in a Sentence
Here’s a sentence using “besides”:
Example: “I don’t have time to watch TV tonight; besides, I have a lot of homework to finish.”
In this sentence, “besides” is used to introduce an additional reason or factor. It indicates that, in addition to not having time to watch TV, there is also the obligation of completing homework.
Also Read: 20 + Exercises On Passive Voice With Modals
Difference Between Beside & Besides
Beside is a preposition; however, besides can function both as a preposition and an adverb. They are almost spelt the same but differ in meaning. Check the table below and uncover basic differences between the two.
| Features | Beside | Besides |
| Part of Speech | Preposition | Preposition and Adverb |
| Meaning | A preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun. Adverbs are typically at the beginning of a phrase or clause but can be used elsewhere. | In addition, apart from, moreover or furthermore (adverb) |
| Position in Sentence | Always followed by a noun or pronoun | A preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun. Adverbs are typically at the beginning of a phrase or clause, but can be used elsewhere. |
| Example | The book is beside the vase. | We need milk, besides eggs and bread. |
FAQs
The word beside expresses next to or at the side of. The preposition beside is used to place two nouns together physically.
“Beside” is used before a noun or pronoun to indicate its position relative to something else. For example, “She sat beside her sister at the dinner table.
Yes, “beside” can sometimes indicate comparison, but it’s less common. For example, “His achievements pale beside hers.” In this sentence, “beside” suggests that his achievements are less significant compared to hers.
Beside me means physically next to me. Besides me means in addition to me or excluding me, depending on context.
Besides English, he studies German.
Besides money, experience matters.
I was tired; besides, it was late.
Besides her, no one knew.
Besides studies, he enjoys sports.
Related Posts to Read on Prepositions
To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
