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.