The English language is full of words that sound similar but carry distinct meanings, often leading to confusion for writers and speakers alike. Two such words, beside and besides, are frequently mixed up due to their close pronunciation and overlapping usage.
Understanding the difference between these terms is essential for clear communication. In this guide, we’ll break down their definitions, explore their grammatical roles, and provide practical examples to help you confidently choose the right word every time.
What is the difference between beside and besides?
The main difference is that beside refers to physical location (meaning “next to”), while besides refers to addition (meaning “in addition to” or “furthermore”). A simple trick to remember the difference is that besides has an “s” for “something extra.”
Quick comparison: Beside vs besides
| Feature | Beside | Besides |
| Main function | Preposition of location | Preposition of addition / Adverb |
| The “S” rule | No “S” = Side (Next to) | With “S” = Something extra |
| Key synonym | Next to | In addition to / Furthermore |
| Common idiom | Beside the point | Besides the point (Incorrect) |
When to use beside
The word beside is a preposition used to describe a physical location. It indicates that something or someone is “at the side of” or “next to” something else.
Examples of beside in a sentence:
- “The cat curled up beside the fireplace.”
- “He sat beside me during the long meeting.”
- “The hotel is located right beside the ocean.”
Pro-tip: If you can replace the word with “next to” and the sentence still makes sense, beside is the correct choice. For a complete deep-dive into these rules, many writers keep a copy of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation on their desk for quick reference.
Using beside for comparison
In formal writing, beside can function as a tool for comparison, meaning “measured against.”
- Example: “The small local shop seems tiny beside the massive corporate distribution center.”
- Tip: Use this when writing academic essays or business reports to vary your vocabulary beyond “compared to.”
When to use besides
Besides is more versatile, functioning as both a preposition and an adverb. It is used when you want to add information or talk about things “in addition to” what has already been mentioned.
1. As a preposition (In addition to)
When used as a preposition, it means “apart from” or “along with.”
- Example: “Besides English, she also speaks Spanish and French.”
2. As a conjunctive adverb (Furthermore)
When used as an adverb, it introduces a secondary point or provides a stronger reason for something.
- Example: “I don’t want to go to the park; besides, it’s starting to rain.”
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common error is using “beside” when you actually mean “in addition to.” This often happens in professional writing, which can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
- Incorrect: “Beside the salad, we ordered a pizza.” (This implies the pizza sat physically next to the salad).
- Correct: “Besides the salad, we ordered a pizza.” (This means you ordered both).
The “beside point” vs. “besides the point”
- Correct usage: “That argument is beside the point.”
- Why? This idiom implies that the information is sitting next to the main topic but isn’t actually part of it. Using “besides” here is a common grammatical error.
Master your writing with these essentials
If you want to stop second-guessing your grammar, these are the top-rated tools used by professional editors:
| Product | Why it’s a must-have |
| The Elements of Style | The “gold standard” for clear, concise writing. |
| English Grammar in Use | Perfect for students; full of practical exercises. |
| Dreyer’s English | A modern, witty guide to clarity and style. |
Frequently asked questions about beside and besides
A video demonstrating the difference
Summary of beside vs besides
The easiest way to keep these two straight is to look at the letter S. Use beside when you are talking about being “at the side” of something. Use besides when you have “something extra” to add to the conversation. Whether you are writing a formal essay or a quick email, using these terms correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic precision.
Ready to level up your writing? If you found this guide helpful, check out our other deep dives like Commonly confused words in English.
We all have that one word that trips us up. > Beside vs. besides is a classic, but what other word pairs always make you second-guess yourself? Whether it’s affect vs. effect or complement vs. compliment, let us know in the comments. Let’s tackle the confusion together!
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