Key Difference

• “Beside” means next to or at the side of.
• “Besides” can mean in addition to or apart from.

1. Beside – Next to

• Definition: Use “beside” when describing the physical location of something or someone.
• Examples:
  • The keys are beside the lamp on the table. 🗝️
  • She sat beside her best friend at the concert. 🎶
• Visual Tip: Imagine “beside” as positioning something next to another thing—like two peas in a pod.

2. Besides – In addition to or Apart from

• Definition: Use “besides” when adding extra information or making an exception.
• Examples:
  • Besides chocolate, I also love vanilla ice cream. 🍦 (In addition to)
  • Nobody knows the truth besides her. 🤫 (Apart from)
• Mnemonic: Think of “besides” as having a little extra to add or excluding someone/something specifically.

Analogy

Think of “beside” as a physical placement (like someone standing next to you in line) and “besides” as adding items to your shopping cart or excluding certain options from a list.

Common Mistakes and Nuances

• Mistake: Confusing “beside” with “besides” when describing location.
  • ❌ She sat besides me.
  • ✅ She sat beside me.
• Nuance: “Besides” is more common in conversations where additional points or exceptions are discussed.

Practice Time!

Choose the correct word, “beside” or “besides,” to complete the sentences:

1. The coffee shop is right _______ the library.
2. What hobbies do you have _______ reading?
3. Nobody knows about the surprise party _______ us.
4. He placed his phone _______ the computer on the desk.

Answers:

1. The coffee shop is right beside the library.
2. What hobbies do you have besides reading?
3. Nobody knows about the surprise party besides us.
4. He placed his phone beside the computer on the desk.