Beside and besides are two words that many ESL learners mix up because they sound similar but have different meanings. The good news is the core difference is simple: beside is about place (next to), while besides is about addition (in addition to or giving an extra reason). In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use each word correctly with clear rules and examples.
Beside or Besides
- beside = next to / at the side of (location)
- besides = in addition to (adding information) / moreover (extra reason)
Quick examples:
- “I sat beside my sister during the concert.” (location)
- “Besides studying, I also like to play guitar.” (in addition to)
It’s important to note that beside and besides are not interchangeable.
Beside
Beside is a preposition that indicates the position of an object or person next to something else. It is used for physical location.
Examples:
- The cat is sleeping beside the fireplace.
- Can you sit beside me during the movie?
- The restaurant is located beside the park.
- The book is beside the lamp on the table.
- The car is parked beside the building.
Important note (common ESL mistake): Beside is not an adjective. Don’t say: “He is my beside neighbor.”
Use: “He is my next-door neighbor.” or “He lives beside me.”
Besides
Besides can be used as a preposition or an adverb. It helps you add information or give an extra point.
Besides (Preposition) = “in addition to”
As a preposition, besides is followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form.
Examples:
- Besides studying, I also work part-time.
- Besides English, we also offer Spanish and French classes.
- Besides being a great athlete, he’s also a talented musician.
Besides (Adverb) = “moreover / furthermore”
As an adverb, besides often appears at the beginning of a sentence. It usually has a comma after it: Besides, …
Examples:
- I don’t want to go to the party. Besides, I have a lot of work to do.
- I’m not interested in the job. Besides, the pay is too low.
- We need to hurry. Besides, we don’t want to be late.
Beside vs. Besides (Comparison Table)
| Beside | Besides |
|---|---|
| Preposition | Preposition or adverb |
| Meaning: next to / at the side of (location) | Meaning: in addition to (preposition) / moreover (adverb) |
| Used for place/position | Used to add information or give an extra reason |
| Example: She sat beside me. | Example: Besides English, we offer French. / Besides, I’m busy. |
Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: Using beside to mean “in addition to.”
✅ Correct: Besides English, we also offer French. - Mistake 2: Using besides to talk about location.
✅ Correct: The restaurant is beside the park. - Mistake 3: Using beside as an adjective (wrong).
✅ Correct: He is my next-door neighbor. / He lives beside me.
Last Updated on January 14, 2026
