Beside vs. Besides

A proofreader is familiar with the following essential definitions that clarify when to use the word "beside" and the appropriate context for the word "besides."

Meanings of the preposition “beside”:

1. next to
2. compared to/next to
3. not connected to

Meanings of the preposition “besides”:

1. in addition to
2. other than/except

The first distinction that must be made between “beside” and “besides” is the easiest one. If you want to convey the meaning of “next to, or alongside” always use “beside.”

Associate the word “beside” with the word “alongside”. Both words end with the letters
“s-i-d-e”.

The confusing part involves the fine line between “compared to/next to” or “not
connected to” (uses of “beside”) and “in addition to” or “other than/except” (uses of
“besides”).

Let's make these differences explicit.

Beside

How do you make a comparison?

You may compare/contrast items by arranging them alongside/beside each other.

For example, if you have three apples and one orange lined up in a row alongside each
other, the orange is the one that is not connected to, or not like, the other pieces of fruit.

Beside--> Alongside--> Compared to--> Not connected to the others

“Beside” as “alongside”:

On the train, I sat beside Ellen.

“Beside” as “compared to/next to”:

Beside the world top pianist, the other piano players felt inadequate.

“Beside” as “not connected to”:

An economics lesson would be beside the theme of this post.

Besides

The phrases “in addition to” and “other than/except” may be substituted with the word “besides.” Let's make use of the fact that the word ends with the letter "s" to help us remember when to use “besides” accurately.

The letter “s” reminds us of words that are plural.

Besides--> With an "s"--> Plural--> In Addition To (Think Two or More—Plural)

In addition to the steak, we had potatoes.

Besides the steak, we had potatoes.

Besides--> With an "s"--> Except

Associate the “s” sound in the word “except” with the word “besides,” which ends with the letter “s.”

The movie was quite entertaining except for the ending.

The movie was quite entertaining besides the ending.

Although these two words look interchangeable to the untrained eye, a proofreader recognizes minor details that may be detrimental to your writing.

About the Author: Stefanie Flaxman corrects business, marketing, and educational documents in 24 hours to eliminate reputation-crushing mistakes from your writing. She's a professional proofreader and the founder of Revision Fairy® Small Business Proofreading Services. Connect with Stefanie on Twitter.