Beside versus Besides

Let us learn the correct way of using each of these words. Let’s outline their definitions and usage.

Beside

This is a preposition which means ‘at the side of’ or ‘next to’.
E.g.

• My best friend will always stand beside me.
• We all sat beside the fire and cooked.

It can also be used in comparison with; on equal footing with:

• This policy seems quite ordinary when it’s beside the others.
• You have earned your place beside the best reporters in the industry.

Besides

This can function both as an adverb and as a preposition. As an adverb, besides is defined as in addition to, as well; moreover, furthermore.
E.g.

• I’m perfectly willing to take on more work and I want to besides.
• I’m too tired to go swimming. Besides, the water is too cold.
• As a preposition, besides is defined as in addition to; apart from.

E.g.

• Besides the award, there was a write-up in the local paper.
• No one besides the store manager can make that call.

To avoid confusion- beside is used exclusively for the meaning at the side of. Similarly, besides, as a preposition, is used exclusively for the meanings in addition to and except for.