Beside vs besides is a common English confusion because the two words look almost identical. They differ by only one letter—s—but they do not normally mean the same thing.
The difference matters because using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence. Beside usually refers to physical position or location, while besides usually means in addition, also, or apart from.
For example:
- She sat beside me.
- Besides me, two other people attended.
One word tells us where someone or something is. The other adds extra information.
This guide explains the full difference between beside and besides, including grammar, pronunciation, origins, formal writing, everyday conversation, academic use, business writing, common mistakes, and more than 20 practical examples.
Quick Answer
Beside means next to or at the side of and usually describes position.
Besides means in addition to, also, or apart from and usually adds another person, thing, or reason.
Beside = next to
Besides = in addition to
A simple example:
- The chair is beside the desk.
- Besides the chair, we need a desk.
Beside vs Besides: Comparison Table
| Feature | Beside | Besides |
|---|---|---|
| Main meaning | Next to; at the side of | In addition to; also; apart from |
| Main use | Position or location | Adding information |
| Part of speech | Preposition | Preposition or adverb |
| Pronunciation | Usually /bɪˈsaɪd/ | Usually /bɪˈsaɪdz/ |
| Answers | Where? | What else? Who else? Why else? |
| Common synonym | Next to | Also, moreover, apart from |
| Example | Sit beside me. | Besides me, everyone agreed. |
| Physical location | Yes | Usually no |
| Adds an extra point | No | Yes |
| Common mistake | Using it to mean “also” | Using it to mean “next to” |
| Formal use | Common | Common, depending on context |
| Everyday use | Common | Common |
| Academic use | Used for physical relationships | Used to add or exclude information |
| US English | Standard | Standard |
| UK English | Standard | Standard |
| Memory clue | Beside = side | Besides = something extra |
What Does “Beside” Mean?
Beside means next to, by the side of, or close to.
It normally describes the physical position of one person or thing in relation to another.
Definition and basic usage
Consider these sentences:
- The lamp is beside the bed.
- She stood beside her friend.
- Put your bag beside the door.
- I sat beside him on the train.
In each sentence, beside answers the question:
Where is it?
That is the main idea to remember.
Grammar of “beside”
In modern English, beside is mainly a preposition.
A preposition usually comes before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase:
- beside the window
- beside my brother
- beside her
- beside the old building
The basic pattern is:
beside + noun/pronoun
Examples:
- Please sit beside me.
- The pharmacy is beside the hospital.
- A bicycle was parked beside our house.
Pronunciation of “beside”
Beside is pronounced approximately:
bih-SYD
The stress falls on the second syllable.
Common situations where “beside” is used
Use beside when talking about:
- where someone is sitting
- where an object is placed
- where something is standing
- where something happens
- the position of one thing relative to another
Examples:
- The teacher stood beside the board.
- Keep the remote beside the television.
- He walked beside his father.
- There is a small table beside the sofa.
“Beside” in professional writing
Beside is useful in workplace instructions, descriptions, reports, and technical writing when physical position matters.
Examples:
- The emergency exit is beside the reception desk.
- Please place the signed form beside the printer.
- The control panel is located beside the main entrance.
“Beside” in academic writing
In academic or formal writing, beside can describe physical position:
- The sample was placed beside the control group.
However, in abstract comparisons, writers often use beside in more literary or less common constructions.
For example:
- Her contribution seems minor beside his achievements.
This means something is small or unimportant when compared with something else.
That usage is correct, but it is less common in everyday English.
“Beside” in everyday conversation
In ordinary conversation, beside often simply means next to.
- Is anyone sitting beside you?
- Your phone is beside the computer.
- Can I sit beside you?
In many situations, next to sounds even more natural in casual speech:
- Can I sit next to you?
Both are usually correct.
An idiomatic use: “beside the point”
The expression beside the point means not relevant to the main issue.
- Whether he is rich is beside the point.
Another common expression is:
beside oneself
This means extremely upset, excited, angry, or emotional.
- She was beside herself with worry.
- He was beside himself with excitement.
These expressions are idiomatic. They should not be confused with the ordinary positional meaning of beside.
Common mistakes with “beside”
A frequent mistake is using beside when the meaning is also or in addition to.
Wrong:
Beside English, I speak Urdu.
Correct:
Besides English, I speak Urdu.
Why? Because the speaker is not saying that Urdu is physically next to English. The speaker is adding another language.
What Does “Besides” Mean?
Besides usually means:
- in addition to
- also
- apart from
- moreover
It is used when you want to add something to what has already been mentioned.
Basic meaning of “besides”
Look at these examples:
- Besides English, she speaks French.
- Besides being expensive, the hotel was noisy.
- We need more time. Besides, the report is incomplete.
- Who besides Ahmed knows the answer?
In each example, besides adds something.
It answers questions such as:
What else?
Who else?
What additional reason is there?
Grammar of “besides”
Besides can work as a preposition or an adverb.
“Besides” as a preposition
When besides comes before a noun, pronoun, or phrase, it usually means in addition to or apart from.
Pattern:
besides + noun/pronoun/noun phrase
Examples:
- Besides coffee, we also serve tea.
- Besides Sara, everyone was invited.
- Besides studying, he works part-time.
- What do you do besides teaching?
“Besides” as an adverb
When besides adds another statement or reason, it can function as an adverb.
Examples:
- I do not want to go. Besides, I am too tired.
- The restaurant is expensive. Besides, it is too far away.
- We already have enough volunteers. Besides, the event may be canceled.
Here, besides is close in meaning to:
- moreover
- furthermore
- anyway
- in addition
Pronunciation of “besides”
Besides is pronounced approximately:
bih-SYDZ
Notice the final z sound.
Common situations where “besides” is used
Use besides when you are:
- adding another person
- adding another thing
- giving an additional reason
- mentioning something extra
- expanding a statement
Examples:
- Besides mathematics, I enjoy history.
- Who besides you was there?
- Besides the cost, there is another problem.
- I cannot buy it. Besides, I do not need it.
“Besides” in professional writing
In business writing, besides is useful, but writers should make sure it does not sound too conversational.
Example:
Besides the financial costs, the company must consider the environmental impact.
In highly formal documents, these alternatives may sometimes fit better:
- in addition to
- furthermore
- moreover
For example:
In addition to the financial costs, the company must consider the environmental impact.
“Besides” in academic writing
Besides is grammatically correct in academic writing, especially when it means in addition to.
- Besides the primary sources, the researcher examined several historical records.
However, some academic writers prefer more formal transitions in highly polished work:
- additionally
- moreover
- furthermore
- in addition
The best choice depends on the sentence and the tone.
“Besides” in everyday conversation
Besides is extremely common in speech.
- Besides, it is not a big problem.
- What else do you want besides pizza?
- Besides you, who knows about this?
In conversation, besides often introduces an extra reason:
I am not going. Besides, I have work tomorrow.
Common mistakes with “besides”
A common mistake is using besides to describe physical location.
Wrong:
She sat besides me.
Correct:
She sat beside me.
Why? Because the sentence describes where she sat. For physical position, use beside.
Beside vs Besides: The Key Differences
The easiest way to understand beside vs besides is to focus on their jobs in a sentence.
1. “Beside” describes location
Use beside when something is next to something else.
- The cat is beside the chair.
- He stood beside me.
2. “Besides” adds something
Use besides when you mean in addition to or also.
- Besides the cat, we have two dogs.
- Besides, I do not have time.
3. The extra “s” changes the meaning
This is a small spelling difference with a major effect:
- beside → location
- besides → addition
4. “Beside” usually cannot mean “also”
Incorrect:
Beside being tired, I was hungry.
Correct:
Besides being tired, I was hungry.
5. “Besides” usually cannot mean “next to”
Incorrect:
The school is besides the bank.
Correct:
The school is beside the bank.
The Grammar Behind Beside vs Besides
Although the difference is mainly about meaning and usage, grammar also helps us choose the correct word.
“Beside” is mainly a preposition
It introduces a noun or pronoun that represents a nearby position.
- beside the door
- beside her
- beside my desk
Correct:
He sat beside me.
Not usually:
He sat beside.
The word normally needs something after it.
“Besides” can be a preposition
Examples:
- Besides me, nobody knew.
- Besides work, she studies.
- Besides this problem, there are several others.
“Besides” can also be an adverb
This is one of the most important grammar differences.
Preposition:
Besides the rain, the wind was strong.
Adverb:
It was raining. Besides, the wind was strong.
When besides starts a new sentence and adds another point, it often functions as an adverb.
Sentence position
Beside usually appears before the person or thing whose position is being described:
- Sit beside your sister.
Besides can appear:
At the beginning:
- Besides the cost, there is another issue.
In the middle:
- Who besides you knows the password?
At the beginning of a new sentence:
- Besides, the deadline is tomorrow.
Punctuation with “besides”
When besides introduces an additional sentence or independent thought, a comma often follows it:
- Besides, we have already paid.
When it acts as a preposition, a comma is not usually needed:
- Besides John, three other people attended.
Capitalization
There is no special capitalization rule.
Use lowercase unless the word begins a sentence:
- Besides the weather, traffic was another problem.
- I sat beside the window.
Hyphenation
Neither word is normally hyphenated.
Correct:
- beside
- besides
Incorrect:
- be-side
- be-sides
US vs UK usage
Both beside and besides are standard in American and British English.
This is not primarily a US vs UK difference.
Both varieties generally follow the same core distinction:
- beside = next to
- besides = in addition to
20 Real-Life Examples of Beside vs Besides
Here are practical examples from different situations.
Everyday conversation
- Beside: Please sit beside me.
- Besides: Besides me, who else is coming?
At home
- Beside: Leave your shoes beside the door.
- Besides: Besides shoes, please bring a jacket.
Text messages
- Beside: Your charger is beside the bed.
- Besides: I cannot come tonight. Besides, I am exhausted.
School
- Beside: Maya sat beside Ali during the exam.
- Besides: Besides science, Ali enjoys literature.
Academic writing
- Beside: The chart appears beside the main discussion.
- Besides: Besides the survey results, the study examined interview data.
Business writing
- Beside: The conference room is beside the CEO’s office.
- Besides: Besides reducing costs, the new system should save time.
Email writing
- Beside: Please find the attachment beside the signature area in the form.
- Besides: Besides the attached report, I have included the meeting notes.
Social media
- Beside: Best coffee spot beside the lake.
- Besides: Besides the beautiful view, the food was amazing.
Daily speaking
- Beside: Can you stand beside me for a second?
- Besides: Besides you, I do not know anyone here.
Professional communication
- Beside: The new workstation is beside the main server cabinet.
- Besides: Besides technical skills, strong communication is essential.
More useful examples
- Beside: There was an empty chair beside her.
- Besides: Besides the chair, the room had only a small table.
- Beside: The hotel is beside the river.
- Besides: Besides being near the river, the hotel is affordable.
- Beside: He walked beside his colleague.
- Besides: Besides his colleague, several managers attended.
Common Mistakes With Beside and Besides
Mistake 1: Using “beside” to mean “in addition to”
Wrong:
Beside coffee, we serve tea.
Why it is wrong:
The sentence adds tea to coffee. It does not describe location.
Correct:
Besides coffee, we serve tea.
Better alternative:
In addition to coffee, we serve tea.
Mistake 2: Using “besides” for physical position
Wrong:
My office is besides the library.
Why it is wrong:
The sentence describes location.
Correct:
My office is beside the library.
Better alternative:
My office is next to the library.
Mistake 3: Confusing “besides” with “except”
This is more subtle.
Besides often means in addition to, while except usually means excluding.
Compare:
Besides Ali, everyone attended.
This can mean Ali attended too, along with everyone else, depending on context.
But:
Everyone attended except Ali.
This clearly means Ali did not attend.
Because besides can sometimes create ambiguity in certain sentences, use except when exclusion is the meaning you want to express clearly.
Mistake 4: Adding “s” because the noun is plural
Some learners think besides is used before plural nouns.
That is not the rule.
Both words can appear before singular or plural nouns depending on meaning:
- beside the chair
- beside the chairs
- besides the chair
- besides the chairs
The choice depends on meaning, not whether the following noun is singular or plural.
Mistake 5: Using “beside” and “besides” interchangeably
These words are related historically, but modern English gives them different main jobs.
Do not choose based on which one sounds more familiar.
Ask:
Am I talking about position?
Use beside.
Am I adding information?
Use besides.
Beside vs Besides in Formal and Informal Writing
In formal writing
Both words are acceptable, but besides can sometimes sound conversational when it begins a sentence:
Besides, there are several other concerns.
In a formal report, you may prefer:
- Furthermore, there are several other concerns.
- In addition, there are several other concerns.
- Moreover, there are several other concerns.
That does not make besides wrong. It simply means another transition may better match a formal tone.
In everyday English
Beside and besides both sound natural when used correctly.
- Sit beside me.
- Besides, it does not matter.
In academic English
Use beside for position and besides for addition.
For highly formal academic transitions, consider alternatives when necessary:
- in addition
- furthermore
- moreover
- additionally
Good writing is not about avoiding a word simply because it is common. It is about choosing the word that fits the meaning and tone.
The Origin of “Beside” and “Besides”
The two words are historically connected.
Beside developed from the idea of being by the side of something. That explains its modern connection with physical position.
Besides developed with the additional s, and its meaning expanded toward apart from, in addition to, and moreover.
Modern English treats them as separate words with distinct functions.
That is why the spelling difference is not merely cosmetic.
The extra s changes the meaning.
Memory Tricks for Beside vs Besides
Memory Trick 1: “Beside” contains “side”
Think:
Beside = by the side
If something is physically next to something else, use beside.
Example:
The chair is beside the desk.
Memory Trick 2: The extra “s” means something extra
Think:
Besides has an extra S because it adds something extra.
Besides adds information.
- Besides tea, we have coffee.
- Besides, I am busy.
Memory Trick 3: Ask one question
Before choosing the word, ask:
Where? → beside
What else? → besides
This works in most ordinary sentences.
Memory Trick 4: Replace the word
Try replacing the word with a synonym.
If next to works:
beside
If also, in addition, or apart from works:
besides
For example:
She sat ___ me.
“She sat next to me” works.
Therefore:
She sat beside me.
Now:
___ English, she speaks Arabic.
“In addition to English” works.
Therefore:
Besides English, she speaks Arabic.
Beside vs Besides: Which One Is More Common?
Both words are common, but they appear in different types of sentences.
Beside is common when describing:
- physical position
- seating
- objects
- locations
Besides is common when:
- adding another item
- giving another reason
- introducing an additional point
- asking who or what else is included
The question is not really which word is “better.”
The important question is:
Which meaning do you need?
Can “Next to” Replace “Beside”?
Usually, yes.
Compare:
- She sat beside me.
- She sat next to me.
Both are natural.
However, beside can also appear in idiomatic expressions where next to does not work:
- That is beside the point.
- She was beside herself with worry.
You cannot normally say:
- That is next to the point.
So next to is a useful synonym for the physical meaning, but not for every use of beside.
When Should You Use “Besides” Instead of “Also”?
Both can add information, but they do not always work in exactly the same way.
Compare:
Besides, I am tired.
Also, I am tired.
Both can be grammatical, but besides often adds an extra reason or strengthens a point already being made.
For example:
I do not want to buy it. Besides, I cannot afford it.
The second sentence gives an additional reason.
In contrast:
I am tired. Also, I am hungry.
This simply adds another piece of information.
In formal writing, also may fit more naturally in some sentence positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “beside” or “besides” correct?
Both are correct, but they have different meanings.
Use beside for next to or physical position.
Use besides for in addition to, also, or apart from.
Is it “beside me” or “besides me”?
Usually:
beside me
means physically next to me.
besides me
means in addition to me or apart from me.
Compare:
- She sat beside me.
- Who besides me knows the answer?
Can “besides” mean “except”?
In some contexts, besides can mean apart from, but it may be unclear whether something is being included or excluded.
For clear exclusion, use except.
- Everyone came except David.
For clear addition, use besides.
- Besides David, Maria also came.
Why does “besides” have an extra S?
The words developed differently over time and now have different modern meanings.
A useful memory trick is that the extra s represents something extra being added.
Is “besides” formal?
Besides is standard English and can be used in formal writing. However, sentence-initial Besides, may sometimes sound conversational.
In very formal academic or business writing, moreover, furthermore, or in addition may sometimes be a better stylistic choice.
Is “beside” more formal than “next to”?
Not necessarily. Both are standard English.
Next to is especially common in everyday conversation.
Beside may sound slightly more literary or polished in some contexts, but it is still natural in ordinary speech.
Is “besides that” correct?
Yes, besides that can be grammatically correct, especially in speech:
Besides that, I have no complaints.
However, depending on the context, these may sound more natural:
- Besides,
- Apart from that,
- In addition to that,
- Other than that.
Can I start a sentence with “Besides”?
Yes.
For example:
Besides, we have already tried that solution.
A comma usually follows Besides when it introduces an additional point at the beginning of a sentence.
What is the easiest way to remember beside vs besides?
Remember:
Beside = next to
Besides = in addition to
Or use the shortcut:
Where? → beside
What else? → besides
Final Verdict
The difference between beside vs besides is simple once you focus on meaning rather than spelling.
Use beside when you mean:
- next to
- at the side of
- in a nearby position
Use besides when you mean:
- in addition to
- also
- apart from
- moreover
The safest rule is this:
If you can replace it with “next to,” use beside.
If you can replace it with “also” or “in addition to,” use besides.
So:
- Sit beside me. ✓
- Besides me, who is coming? ✓
- The keys are beside the laptop. ✓
- Besides the keys, bring your passport. ✓
The two words are both correct English, but they are not generally interchangeable. One letter changes the function and meaning of the word. Once you remember that beside is about position and besides is about addition, choosing the right one becomes much easier.
Evan Bennett is a language enthusiast who writes simple, clear guides about word meanings, slang, phrases, and everyday expressions.
He helps readers understand modern language quickly with easy explanations and useful examples.