Explanation at your level:
Hello! The word besides is like saying 'and also'. Imagine you have a toy car. Besides the car, you also have a ball. It means you have more than one thing! You can say, 'I have a book. Besides that, I have a pencil.' It just means you have the book, and you also have the pencil. It's easy!
Besides is a handy word that means 'in addition to' or 'also'. Think of it as adding more information. If you like pizza, you can say, 'I like pizza. Besides pizza, I also like pasta.' This tells someone you enjoy both pizza and pasta. It can also mean 'apart from', like saying, 'Is anyone home besides the dog?' This asks if there are people there, not just the dog.
The word besides is used to add extra information or to mention something that is an exception. As a preposition, it means 'in addition to' or 'apart from'. For example: 'He speaks French. Besides French, he also speaks Spanish.' Here, 'besides' introduces an additional language. As an adverb, it often starts a sentence and means 'moreover' or 'furthermore'. For instance: 'The rent is quite high. Besides, the location isn't ideal.' This suggests two reasons why something might not be desirable.
Besides serves as both a preposition and an adverb, offering nuances of addition and exception. As a preposition, 'besides X' means 'in addition to X' or 'apart from X'. For example, 'Besides his job as a teacher, he volunteers at the animal shelter.' This highlights an additional activity. When used as an adverb, often at the start of a sentence followed by a comma, it introduces a further point, sometimes one that strengthens a previous argument or introduces a contrasting idea. For instance, 'I don't think we should go. Besides, it's supposed to rain all day.' This implies two reasons for not going.
Besides functions with considerable flexibility, acting as a preposition meaning 'in addition to' or 'other than', and as an adverb introducing supplementary or even contrasting points. Consider its use in complex sentences: 'The research provides valuable insights into market trends; besides this, it offers a novel methodology for data analysis.' Here, 'besides this' links two significant contributions of the research. The adverbial use can carry a tone of dismissal or emphasis, depending on context. 'He's not qualified for the job. Besides, he lacks the necessary experience.' The second clause reinforces the initial negative assessment, with 'besides' signaling an additional, perhaps more critical, reason.
The lexical item besides, etymologically rooted in the notion of 'side-by-side', has evolved to encompass both additive and exclusionary senses. As a preposition, it signifies 'in addition to' (e.g., 'Who attended besides the core committee members?') or 'other than' (e.g., 'She accepted no offers besides the one from Harvard.'). Its adverbial function, often initiating a clause, can introduce points of equal or greater weight, or serve to pivot the discourse. For example, 'The initial findings were promising. Besides, subsequent results have corroborated them entirely.' This usage is particularly potent in argumentation, where 'besides' can signal a clincher or a reframing of the issue, drawing upon a rich history of semantic development from spatial proximity to logical addition and contrast.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'in addition to' or 'apart from'.
- Can be used as a preposition or an adverb.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written English.
- Distinguish carefully from 'beside' (location).
Hey there! Let's dive into the word besides. It's a super useful word that pops up in all sorts of conversations and writing. Think of it as a way to add something extra, like saying 'and also' or 'in addition to'. It's like finding a hidden bonus in your favorite game – you already got the main prize, and then there's something more!
We often use besides to introduce a point that's perhaps even more important or interesting than the one we just mentioned. Imagine you're talking about your favorite hobbies. You might say, 'I love reading books.' Then, to add something even cooler, you'd say, 'Besides that, I also enjoy learning new languages!' See how it adds another layer?
It can also mean 'apart from' or 'other than'. For example, if you're listing things you like, you might say, 'I don't like any fruits besides apples.' This means apples are the only fruit you *do* like. It's all about adding information or setting something apart!
The word besides has a fascinating journey! It comes from Old English, where it was formed by combining 'bī' (meaning 'by' or 'near') and 'sīdan' (meaning 'side'). So, literally, it meant something like 'by the side of'.
Over time, its meaning evolved. In Middle English, it started to take on the sense of 'in addition to' or 'moreover'. Think of it like this: if something is 'by your side', it's with you, accompanying you, and therefore, it's an addition. This sense of 'in addition' became its most common usage.
Interestingly, the word 'beside' (without the 's') originally meant 'next to' or 'at the side of'. The '-s' in besides added that extra layer of meaning, suggesting something *beyond* just being next to something – it implies an inclusion or addition. It's a great example of how small changes in a word can lead to big shifts in meaning!
So, how do we actually use besides? It's pretty flexible! You can use it at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle, or at the end. When it starts a sentence, it's often followed by a comma, like: 'Besides, the weather was terrible.' This sets up the additional information.
You'll often hear it used in everyday chats. If someone asks, 'What did you do today?', you might reply, 'Well, I studied for a bit. Besides that, I watched a movie.' It's a natural way to list activities or points.
Besides can also function as a preposition, meaning 'apart from'. For example, 'Who else is coming besides John?' Here, it asks who is coming *in addition to* John, or *other than* John. The context usually makes it clear. Remember, while it's common in spoken English, in very formal writing, you might sometimes opt for 'in addition to' or 'furthermore' for a slightly more elevated tone, but besides is perfectly acceptable in most situations!
While besides itself isn't typically part of a fixed idiom, it's used in many common phrases that function idiomatically. Here are a few ways it appears:
- Besides that: This is probably the most common phrase. It means 'in addition to that' or 'furthermore'.
Example: The hotel was a bit expensive. Besides that, it was quite comfortable. - Who else besides...?: Used to ask about additional people or things.
Example: Who else is going to the party besides Sarah? - What else besides...?: Similar to the above, but asking about things.
Example: What other skills do you have besides programming? - Anything besides...?: Asking if there is anything additional or different.
Example: Did you need anything besides the groceries? - Nothing besides...: Used to state that there is only one thing or person.
Example: He wanted nothing besides peace and quiet. - Besides yourself: This means 'apart from you' or 'in addition to you', often implying someone else is also involved or affected.
Example: The teacher praised everyone besides yourself for their hard work.
Let's break down the grammar and sound of besides. As a preposition, it's followed by a noun or pronoun (e.g., 'besides me', 'besides the cat'). As an adverb, it often starts a sentence or clause and is usually followed by a comma (e.g., 'Besides, I don't think it's a good idea.').
Pronunciation: The word has two syllables: 'bi-SIDES'. The stress is on the second syllable. The 'i' sound is like the 'i' in 'sit', and the 'e' sound is a long 'ee' sound, like in 'see'. The 's' at the end makes a 'z' sound.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):
UK: /bɪˈsaɪdz/
US: /bɪˈsaɪdz/
Rhyming words: Words that rhyme with besides include 'insides', 'outsides', and 'presides'.
Common Errors: A frequent mix-up is between besides (meaning 'in addition to') and beside (meaning 'next to'). Remember: 'beside' is about location, 'besides' is about addition or exception.
Fun Fact
The '-s' at the end of 'besides' originally indicated a genitive case, similar to how 'his' comes from 'he'. It evolved to mean 'in addition to' over centuries.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'bih-SIGH-dz', with the stress on the second syllable.
Sounds like 'bih-SIGH-dz', with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the final 's' as 's' instead of 'z'.
- Putting stress on the first syllable ('BI-sides').
- Mispronouncing the vowel sounds (e.g., 'beh-sides').
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in most contexts.
Straightforward to use correctly.
Very common in spoken language.
Easily recognizable when spoken.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Prepositional Phrases
'Besides the cake' is a prepositional phrase.
Adverb Usage
Using 'besides' to start a sentence: 'Besides, it's raining.'
Conjunctions vs. Conjunctive Adverbs
'Besides' acts like a conjunctive adverb when starting a sentence, linking ideas.
Examples by Level
I have a cat. Besides that, I have a dog.
I have a cat. In addition to that, I have a dog.
Besides that is used to add more information.
I like apples. Besides, I like bananas.
I like apples. Also, I like bananas.
Besides can mean 'also'.
Is anyone here besides you?
Is anyone here apart from you?
'Besides you' means 'other than you'.
Besides the ball, I have a toy car.
In addition to the ball, I have a toy car.
Besides is used before the first item.
He can sing. Besides, he can dance.
He can sing. Also, he can dance.
Besides can add another skill.
What else besides food?
What else in addition to food?
Asking for more items.
She likes tea. Besides, she likes coffee.
She likes tea. Also, she likes coffee.
Adding another preference.
Besides my mom, my dad is here.
In addition to my mom, my dad is here.
Besides can list people.
The park is nice. Besides the playground, there's a lake.
The park is nice. In addition to the playground, there's a lake.
Used to add another feature of a place.
I don't eat meat. Besides fish, I eat vegetables.
I don't eat meat. Apart from fish, I eat vegetables.
Used to state exceptions or additions.
He's a good student. Besides, he's very polite.
He's a good student. Furthermore, he's very polite.
Adds another positive quality.
Do you need anything besides these books?
Do you need anything other than these books?
Asks if more items are needed.
The movie was long. Besides, it was boring.
The movie was long. Moreover, it was boring.
Provides additional negative points.
Who else attended besides the manager?
Who else attended apart from the manager?
Inquires about other attendees.
She speaks English. Besides English, she knows some German.
She speaks English. In addition to English, she knows some German.
Lists languages known.
Besides the main course, we ordered dessert.
In addition to the main course, we ordered dessert.
Used in the context of ordering food.
The job offers good pay. Besides, the working hours are flexible.
The job offers good pay. In addition, the working hours are flexible.
Introduces a second positive aspect of the job.
Apart from the main tourist attractions, what else is there to see?
Besides the main tourist attractions, what else is there to see?
Used to inquire about less common points of interest.
He's not just talented; besides, he works incredibly hard.
He's not just talented; furthermore, he works incredibly hard.
Emphasizes an additional, perhaps more important, quality.
Can you think of any other solutions besides the ones we've discussed?
Can you think of any other solutions apart from the ones we've discussed?
Prompts for alternative suggestions.
The presentation was clear. Besides, the speaker was very engaging.
The presentation was clear. Moreover, the speaker was very engaging.
Adds a complementary positive observation.
Who else besides the CEO was invited to the exclusive event?
Who else apart from the CEO was invited to the exclusive event?
Used to identify additional attendees at a specific function.
The hotel provided excellent service. Besides, the room had a stunning view.
The hotel provided excellent service. Additionally, the room had a stunning view.
Lists multiple positive attributes of a service or place.
I don't want to go out tonight. Besides, I have a lot of work to finish.
I don't want to go out tonight. Furthermore, I have a lot of work to finish.
Provides a second reason for declining an invitation.
The initial proposal had several drawbacks; besides, the budget allocated was insufficient.
The initial proposal had several drawbacks; furthermore, the budget allocated was insufficient.
Connects two negative aspects of a proposal, with the second often carrying more weight.
Beyond the obvious benefits, what other advantages does this strategy offer?
Apart from the obvious benefits, what other advantages does this strategy offer?
Used to probe for less apparent positive outcomes.
He is not only a skilled negotiator but also, besides that, a charismatic leader.
He is not only a skilled negotiator but also, in addition, a charismatic leader.
Adds a significant characteristic to an already established one, often implying greater importance.
Could you identify any potential risks besides the ones mentioned in the report?
Could you identify any potential risks other than the ones mentioned in the report?
Seeks to uncover additional, perhaps overlooked, potential dangers.
The lecture was informative. Besides, the interactive session allowed for practical application.
The lecture was informative. Moreover, the interactive session allowed for practical application.
Highlights a second valuable component of an educational event.
Who else, besides the project manager, has the authority to approve these changes?
Who else, apart from the project manager, has the authority to approve these changes?
Clarifies who else possesses specific decision-making power.
The accommodation was basic. Besides, the noise from the street made sleeping difficult.
The accommodation was basic. Furthermore, the noise from the street made sleeping difficult.
Introduces a second significant inconvenience, reinforcing a negative impression.
We need to consider the environmental impact. Besides, the long-term economic viability is questionable.
We need to consider the environmental impact. Moreover, the long-term economic viability is questionable.
Adds a critical economic consideration to an environmental one.
The company's commitment to sustainability is commendable; besides this, its innovative approach to employee welfare sets it apart.
The company's commitment to sustainability is commendable; in addition to this, its innovative approach to employee welfare sets it apart.
Links two distinct strengths of an organization, with 'besides this' acting as a sophisticated connector.
While the initial diagnosis seemed straightforward, subsequent tests revealed complications beyond the expected parameters.
While the initial diagnosis seemed straightforward, subsequent tests revealed complications other than the expected parameters.
Used to indicate factors or issues that lie outside a previously defined scope.
His argument hinges on the premise of individual liberty; besides, he posits that societal progress is intrinsically linked to personal freedom.
His argument hinges on the premise of individual liberty; furthermore, he posits that societal progress is intrinsically linked to personal freedom.
Introduces a secondary, often reinforcing, tenet in a philosophical or theoretical argument.
Could you elaborate on any unforeseen challenges besides those already documented in the risk assessment matrix?
Could you elaborate on any unforeseen challenges other than those already documented in the risk assessment matrix?
A formal request to identify risks not covered by existing documentation.
The retrospective analysis highlighted key successes. Besides, it offered critical insights into areas requiring strategic adjustment.
The retrospective analysis highlighted key successes. Moreover, it offered critical insights into areas requiring strategic adjustment.
Connects positive outcomes with areas needing development, providing a balanced perspective.
Were any stakeholders consulted besides the primary investors and the board of directors?
Were any stakeholders consulted apart from the primary investors and the board of directors?
A precise inquiry about the scope of consultation within an organizational context.
The initial phase of the project encountered minor delays. Besides, a critical supplier experienced an unexpected outage.
The initial phase of the project encountered minor delays. Furthermore, a critical supplier experienced an unexpected outage.
Introduces a more significant issue that compounded initial problems.
We must address the immediate security concerns. Besides, the long-term implications for data privacy require thorough investigation.
We must address the immediate security concerns. Moreover, the long-term implications for data privacy require thorough investigation.
Elevates the discussion from immediate issues to broader, more complex considerations.
The philosophical treatise meticulously deconstructs the concept of free will; besides this foundational critique, it posits a novel framework for understanding moral agency.
The philosophical treatise meticulously deconstructs the concept of free will; in addition to this foundational critique, it posits a novel framework for understanding moral agency.
Used in academic discourse to link a primary argument with a subsequent, often more complex or original, contribution.
The archaeological evidence points towards a sophisticated civilization, revealing technologies far exceeding those anticipated for the period.
The archaeological evidence points towards a sophisticated civilization, revealing technologies far exceeding those expected for the period.
Indicates findings that surpass conventional expectations or established timelines.
His seminal work established the theoretical underpinnings of quantum entanglement; besides, his later experiments provided empirical validation of these abstract principles.
His seminal work established the theoretical underpinnings of quantum entanglement; furthermore, his later experiments provided empirical validation of these abstract principles.
Connects theoretical breakthroughs with subsequent experimental verification in scientific writing.
Could you elucidate any contributing factors to the systemic failure besides those stemming from inadequate regulatory oversight?
Could you elucidate any contributing factors to the systemic failure other than those stemming from inadequate regulatory oversight?
A highly formal request for comprehensive analysis of complex systemic issues.
The literary critique explored the author's use of symbolism. Besides, it offered a compelling reinterpretation of the narrative's underlying socio-political commentary.
The literary critique explored the author's use of symbolism. Moreover, it offered a compelling reinterpretation of the narrative's underlying socio-political commentary.
Links textual analysis with a deeper, potentially revisionist, interpretation in academic literary studies.
Beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities, what measures are being considered to address the root causes of the conflict?
Apart from the immediate cessation of hostilities, what measures are being considered to address the root causes of the conflict?
A diplomatic or political inquiry focusing on solutions beyond immediate crisis management.
The initial economic forecasts proved overly optimistic. Besides, unforeseen geopolitical events significantly disrupted global supply chains.
The initial economic forecasts proved overly optimistic. Furthermore, unforeseen geopolitical events significantly disrupted global supply chains.
Explains a negative outcome by citing both flawed initial assumptions and external disruptive factors.
The artist's oeuvre is characterized by its exploration of existential themes; besides this recurring motif, her work also engages profoundly with the concept of memory.
The artist's oeuvre is characterized by its exploration of existential themes; in addition to this recurring motif, her work also engages profoundly with the concept of memory.
Used in art criticism to delineate multiple thematic layers within an artist's body of work.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"besides the point"
Not relevant to the main issue being discussed.
You're worried about the color of the car? That's besides the point; we need to focus on safety.
neutral"besides oneself"
Extremely angry, excited, or upset.
She was beside herself with grief when she heard the news.
neutral"who else besides"
Asking about additional people.
Who else besides the director attended the meeting?
neutral"what else besides"
Asking about additional things.
What else besides essentials should we pack for the trip?
neutral"nothing besides"
Only one thing or person.
He desired nothing besides the truth.
neutral"besides which"
In addition to which; moreover.
The journey was long and arduous, besides which, the weather was terrible.
formalEasily Confused
Very similar spelling and pronunciation.
'Beside' refers to location (next to). 'Besides' refers to addition or exception.
The book is beside the lamp. (location) | Besides the book, I bought a lamp. (addition)
Shares the 'side' root and sounds somewhat similar.
'Aside' usually means 'to one side' or 'separately'. It's often used in phrases like 'put aside' or 'aside from'.
He pushed the papers aside. | Aside from the main issue, there are minor problems.
Can overlap in meaning with 'besides' when 'besides' means 'apart from'.
'Except' strongly implies exclusion. 'Besides' can imply addition or exclusion, but 'except' is clearer for pure exclusion.
Everyone came except Mary. (clear exclusion) | Everyone came besides Mary. (can mean addition or exclusion, context needed)
Similar meaning of adding something.
'In addition to' is generally more formal than 'besides'. 'Besides' is more common in spoken English.
Besides being talented, she is hardworking. (neutral) | In addition to being talented, she is hardworking. (more formal)
Sentence Patterns
Besides + Noun/Pronoun, + Sentence.
Besides the rain, it was cold.
Sentence + . Besides, + Sentence.
He didn't call. Besides, he never does.
Noun/Pronoun + besides + Noun/Pronoun.
Who else besides you knows?
Verb + besides + Noun/Pronoun.
She speaks French besides English.
Idiomatic Phrase: ... besides the point.
That's besides the point.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'Beside' means 'next to'. 'Besides' means 'in addition to' or 'apart from'.
'Besides' adds something; 'instead' replaces something.
When 'besides' starts a sentence and means 'in addition', it's usually followed by a comma.
While acceptable, 'in addition to', 'furthermore', or 'moreover' can sound more formal.
While 'besides' can mean 'apart from', 'except' or 'apart from' are often preferred for clarity in exclusion.
Tips
Side + S = Addition!
Remember 'besides' by thinking of 'side' (location) and adding an 's'. That 's' stands for 'something else'! So, it means 'in addition to what's on the side'.
Use it to Add Flavor!
When you want to add another detail, especially one that might be more interesting or important, 'besides' is your go-to word. It makes your sentences flow naturally.
Everyday Essential
Native speakers use 'besides' constantly in casual conversation. Don't be afraid to use it – it makes your English sound more natural and fluent.
Preposition vs. Adverb
Remember: As a preposition, it's followed by a noun/pronoun ('besides him'). As an adverb, it often starts a sentence with a comma ('Besides, I'm tired.').
Stress the 'SIDES'!
Make sure to put the stress on the second syllable: bi-SIDES. The final sound is a 'Z', not an 'S'.
Don't Mix Up 'Beside' and 'Besides'!
This is crucial! 'Beside' = location (next to). 'Besides' = addition/exception. Always double-check which one fits your meaning.
From 'Side-by-Side' to 'In Addition'
The word 'besides' evolved from the idea of being 'by the side of' something to meaning 'in addition to' it. Pretty neat how meanings change!
Sentence Building Practice
Write down 5 things you did today. Then, use 'besides' to connect them into 2-3 sentences. Example: 'I studied math. Besides that, I watched TV.'
The 'Bonus Point' Word
Think of 'besides' as introducing a 'bonus point' – something extra you're adding to your statement, which might even be more significant.
Comma Rule Check
If 'besides' starts your sentence and means 'in addition', follow it with a comma. It helps guide the reader.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'side' and adding an 's' to it. Something is on the 'side' AND 's'omething else is there too!
Visual Association
Imagine a plate with food (the main thing) and then someone puts extra fries on the side (besides the fries).
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing your room using 'besides'. What's the main thing? What else is there besides that?
Word Origin
Old English
Original meaning: By the side of; in addition to.
Cultural Context
Generally no cultural sensitivity issues associated with the word itself.
Very common in both American and British English. Its usage is consistent across major English-speaking regions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Listing items or activities
- Besides X, I also like Y.
- Besides doing A, I did B.
- What else besides X?
Giving reasons
- It's too expensive. Besides, it's not practical.
- I don't want to go. Besides, I'm tired.
- Besides that, there are other problems.
Asking about exceptions
- Who else besides X?
- Anything besides X?
- Apart from X...
Describing places or situations
- Besides the main attraction, there are smaller museums.
- Besides the good points, there were some bad ones.
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite hobby? Besides that, what else do you enjoy doing?"
"Tell me about your day. What did you do today, besides work/study?"
"What are you looking forward to this week? Besides the weekend, what else?"
"If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Besides the beach, what kind of place appeals to you?"
"What's one thing you learned recently? Besides that, what's another interesting fact you know?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your ideal day. What activities would it include, and besides those, what elements would make it perfect?
Think about a skill you'd like to learn. Besides the main reason you want to learn it, what are other benefits you anticipate?
What are your goals for the next year? Besides the major ones, list a few smaller, perhaps unexpected, aspirations.
Reflect on a recent challenge. What did you learn from it, and besides the obvious lessons, what subtle insights did you gain?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsThis is a common point of confusion! 'Beside' means 'next to' or 'at the side of' (location). 'Besides' means 'in addition to' or 'apart from' (addition or exception).
Yes, it can, often meaning 'also' or 'too'. For example: 'I don't like coffee, and I don't like tea, besides.' However, this is more common in informal speech.
When 'besides' is used as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence to mean 'in addition' or 'moreover', it is usually followed by a comma (e.g., 'Besides, we need to consider the cost.'). When used as a preposition, it is not typically followed by a comma (e.g., 'Besides the main issue, there are others.').
'In addition to' is generally more formal than 'besides'. You can use 'besides' in most everyday situations. For very formal writing, 'in addition to' or 'furthermore' might be preferred.
Not always. It can mean 'in addition to', but it can also mean 'apart from' or 'other than', which implies exclusion. For example, 'Who was there besides John?' could mean 'Who else was there, in addition to John?' or 'Who was there, other than John?' The context usually clarifies the meaning.
Sometimes, yes. While its primary meaning is addition, it can introduce a point that makes the previous statement less important or even invalid, acting somewhat like 'however' or 'moreover'. For example: 'The plan sounds good. Besides, it's too expensive.'
No, 'besides' is typically classified as a preposition or an adverb. It's not a coordinating conjunction like 'and' or 'but'.
It's an idiom meaning that something mentioned is irrelevant or not important to the main topic or issue being discussed.
Test Yourself
I have one apple. ______ that, I have an orange.
'Besides' means 'in addition to'.
Which sentence uses 'besides' correctly?
Sentence 2 means 'In addition to the rain, the game was cancelled.' Sentence 4 should use 'beside' for location.
'Besides the point' means something is very relevant.
'Besides the point' means something is irrelevant or not important to the main issue.
Word
Meaning
Understanding the different meanings is key.
The correct order is 'Besides, it is too expensive.'
Who attended the meeting ______ the project manager?
'Besides' is used here to mean 'in addition to' or 'apart from'.
Which sentence best conveys an additional, perhaps stronger, reason?
'Besides' often introduces a point that adds weight or is a significant additional factor.
In formal academic writing, 'besides' is always the preferred term for introducing supplementary information.
While 'besides' can be used, more formal alternatives like 'furthermore', 'moreover', or 'in addition' are often preferred in academic contexts.
Do you need anything ______ the groceries?
'Besides' asks if there are other items needed in addition to the groceries.
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence 1 uses 'besides' correctly to mean 'in addition to'. Sentence 2 uses 'beside' correctly for location. Sentence 3 is incorrect usage. Sentence 4 has incorrect word order.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 'besides' to smoothly add extra information or mention an exception, making your communication richer.
- Means 'in addition to' or 'apart from'.
- Can be used as a preposition or an adverb.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written English.
- Distinguish carefully from 'beside' (location).
Side + S = Addition!
Remember 'besides' by thinking of 'side' (location) and adding an 's'. That 's' stands for 'something else'! So, it means 'in addition to what's on the side'.
Use it to Add Flavor!
When you want to add another detail, especially one that might be more interesting or important, 'besides' is your go-to word. It makes your sentences flow naturally.
Everyday Essential
Native speakers use 'besides' constantly in casual conversation. Don't be afraid to use it – it makes your English sound more natural and fluent.
Preposition vs. Adverb
Remember: As a preposition, it's followed by a noun/pronoun ('besides him'). As an adverb, it often starts a sentence with a comma ('Besides, I'm tired.').
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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異常な
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擦り傷
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禁酒
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急性的
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急性な
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急性の
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