Confusing Words
Beside vs Besides
Beside means next to someone or something. Besides means in addition to something.
Quick Answer
Use beside for position: next to. Use besides when you add another point, meaning in addition or also.
Core Difference
Beside is about location. Besides adds extra information.
Simple Explanation
Beside usually means next to a person or thing. For example, your phone can be beside your laptop. Besides is used when you add another idea or item. For example, besides English, someone may also speak Spanish.
Word Details
beside
preposition
next to
besides
preposition/adverb
in addition to; also; anyway
Examples
beside
The cat is sleeping beside the fireplace.
Location: next to the fireplace.
besides
Besides math, he also teaches science.
Addition: in addition to math.
beside
Come and sit beside me.
Location: next to me.
besides
I don't like that restaurant. Besides, it's too expensive.
Adverb: giving another reason.
beside
The school is beside the park.
Location: next to the park.
besides
Besides English, she speaks French and German.
Besides adds another language.
Practice Quiz
Choose one answer. Mistakes are saved for review.
1. The chair is ___ the desk.
2. ___ English, she also speaks Spanish.
3. Come and sit ___ me.
4. ___ his job, he studies at night.
5. The keys are ___ my phone.
Related Word Pairs
Since vs For
Since is for a starting point; for is for a duration.
Study this pairAffect vs Effect
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning a result.
Study this pairJob vs Work
A job is a specific position; work is the general activity or place.
Study this pair