Confusing words: ‘beside’ vs ‘besides’

[This post has been written with ESL/EFL students in mind, CEFR levels B1/B2.]

The words beside and besides look deceptively similar, but they don’t have the same meaning. English language learners often confuse the two, so in this post I’ll explain the difference, and at the end of the post you’ll find a link to a simple online exercise on this topic.

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BESIDE

The word beside is a preposition of place. It tells us where something is located, namely that it is next to or close to something. It’s always followed by a noun or a pronoun. It can sound a bit formal.

• The chair is beside the bed.
• I was sitting beside him during lunch.

You can also see this word in some common set phrases and idioms , such as: 

• ‘to be beside the point / question / mark’ – something is irrelevant to what is being discussed
• ‘to be beside oneself’ – to be shocked, distraught, in an extreme emotional state
• ‘to pale beside’ – something looks less impressive when compared to something else

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BESIDES

Besides can be used as a preposition or a linking adverb. As a preposition, it means in addition to, also.

• What do you like doing in your free time besides watching TV?
• I have other things to do besides sitting here.

Used as an adverb, it means the same as moreover / what’s more, but it sounds less formal. Also, when you use it as a linking adverb, don’t forget to use comma(s) in writing:

• I don’t like talking on the phone; besides, I don’t even have a phone!
• I don’t want to go to that party. Besides, they haven’t even invited me.

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See, it’s not that difficult! Now you can click here to download a simple, 10-question grammar quiz, available in the PDF format.

Let me know if you have any further questions!

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