beside
- besides
‘beside’
If one thing is beside another, it is next to it or at the side of it.
Beside the shed was a huge tree.
I sat down beside my wife.
‘besides’ used as a preposition
Besides means ‘in addition to’ or ‘as well as’.
What languages do you know besides Arabic and English?
There was only one person besides Jacques who knew Lorraine.
‘besides’ used to link clauses
You can use besides to introduce a clause beginning with an -ing form.
He writes novels and poems, besides working as a journalist.
Besides being good company, he was always ready to try anything.
Be careful
You must use an -ing form in sentences like these. Don't say, for example, ‘He writes novels and poems besides he works as a journalist’.
You must use an -ing form in sentences like these. Don't say, for example, ‘He writes novels and poems besides he works as a journalist’.
‘besides’ used as an adverb
You can use besides when you are making an additional point or giving an additional reason that you think is important.
I'll only be gone for five days, and besides, you'll have fun while I'm away.
The house was too big. Besides, we couldn't afford it.