The words "beside" and "besides" often cause confusion for English learners, especially in the context of competitive exams. While they may look similar, their meanings and usage differ significantly. Understanding the distinction between these two words is essential for improving your grammar and performing well on the English section of exams.
General English grammar is a critical part of most competitive exams, and mastering these small but tricky differences can make a big impact on your overall score. The difference between "beside" and "besides" is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts, but with proper understanding and practice, it becomes easy to use them correctly.
In this tutorial, we’ll explore the difference between "beside" and "besides" in detail. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of how to use each word properly in different contexts. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Difference Between "Besides" and "Beside"
Though these two words sound alike and are often confused, they are used in distinct ways in English. "Beside" is a preposition, while "besides" can function as either a preposition or an adverb. Understanding when to use each word depends on its role in the sentence and its meaning.
Beside (without the "s") is always a preposition and typically refers to position or location. It means "next to" or "at the side of." On the other hand, Besides (with the "s") can either act as a preposition, meaning "in addition to," or as an adverb, meaning "moreover," "furthermore," or "also."
Here’s a breakdown to help clarify:
| Beside | Besides |
|---|---|
| A preposition indicating the position of something relative to another object or person. | Can be both a preposition and an adverb, depending on its usage in the sentence. |
| Meaning: "Next to," "close to," or "at the side of something." | As a preposition, "besides" means "in addition to" or "apart from." As an adverb, it means "moreover," "furthermore," or "also." |
Examples of "Beside"
- My backpack is beside the door, right next to the table.
- Would you like to sit beside me at the concert?
- She placed the coffee cup beside her laptop as she worked.
- The book was found beside the bed, under the pillow.
- They sat beside each other during the movie, sharing popcorn.
Examples of "Besides"
- Besides Jane, who else is attending the meeting tomorrow?
- Besides the fact that it’s raining, I have no other excuse to stay indoors.
- She is a talented musician, besides, she also excels in painting.
- There are no other options besides this one for the upcoming event.
- He’s not only my colleague, besides, he is also a close friend of mine.