Have you ever come across the word “besides” and wondered exactly what it means or how to use it correctly? Despite being a small word, besides plays an important role in English, helping speakers and writers add information, emphasize points, or even express exceptions.
Its versatility can sometimes confuse learners, especially when distinguishing it from similar words like “except” or “beside.” Understanding the meaning of besides not only improves your grammar but also makes your communication clearer and more natural.
From casual conversations to formal writing, using besides correctly allows you to express ideas smoothly and confidently.
In this article, we will explore all the different ways besides can be used, provide practical examples, highlight common mistakes, and give tips to make mastering this word easy. By the end, you’ll be able to use besides effortlessly in your sentences.
The Primary Meanings of “Besides”
The word “besides” is versatile and can be used in several ways depending on the context. Understanding its primary meanings will help you use it confidently in both writing and conversation.
1. Adding Information (Inclusion)
One of the most common uses of besides is to add extra information. In this sense, it works like “in addition to” or “also.”
For example:
- “Besides English, she speaks Spanish and French.”
- “I don’t want to go out tonight. Besides, it’s raining.”
Here, besides adds extra details or reasons, making sentences richer and more informative.
2. Meaning ‘Except’ or ‘Apart From’ (Exclusion)
Another meaning of besides is to indicate exception. It can mean “except for” or “other than.”
For example:
- “No one attended the meeting besides John.”
- “There’s nothing to do in the city besides visiting the museum.”
This usage is less common but very important, especially in formal writing or precise speech.
3. Emphasis or Informal Use
In casual conversations, besides can emphasize a point or provide a reason.
For example:
- “I don’t feel like going. Besides, it’s too expensive.”
- “We should stay home. Besides, it’s late.”
In these examples, besides helps strengthen an argument or provide justification.
Besides vs. Similar Words
One common source of confusion for English learners is distinguishing besides from similar words like except, apart from, and beside. Understanding these differences is essential for using the word correctly.
1. Besides vs. Except
While besides can sometimes mean “except,” it is generally used to add information, whereas except always indicates exclusion.
For example:
- “Everyone came to the party except John.” (John did not come.)
- “No one came to the party besides John.” (John came, others didn’t.)
Notice how swapping these words changes the meaning entirely.
2. Besides vs. Apart From
Apart from can be similar to besides, but it often emphasizes separation or exception more than inclusion.
For example:
- “Apart from math, she enjoys science.” (Math is separated from her interests.)
- “Besides math, she enjoys science.” (Math is included, and science is additional.)
3. Besides vs. Beside
Many learners confuse besides with beside, which refers to physical position.
- “The book is beside the lamp.” (Next to the lamp.)
- “Besides reading, he enjoys writing.” (Adding another activity.)
By learning these subtle differences, you can avoid common mistakes and make your English more precise. Always think about the meaning and context before choosing the right word.
Common Mistakes with “Besides”
Even though besides is a simple word, many learners make mistakes when using it. Recognizing these common errors can help you avoid confusion and communicate clearly.
1. Confusing “Besides” with “Beside”
A frequent mistake is mixing up besides (meaning “in addition to” or “except”) with beside (referring to physical location). For example:
- ❌ “She sat besides me.”
- ✅ “She sat beside me.”
- ✅ “Besides studying, she works part-time.”
Remember: beside = next to; besides = in addition to / except.
2. Using “Besides” When “Except” Is Needed
Some learners incorrectly use besides to exclude something instead of including it:
- ❌ “No one came besides John.” (ambiguous)
- ✅ “No one came except John.”
3. Placing “Besides” Incorrectly in Sentences
Besides can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, but incorrect placement can confuse the meaning.
- ❌ “I like pizza I besides eat pasta.”
- ✅ “Besides pizza, I eat pasta.”
- ✅ “I eat pasta besides pizza.”
4. Overusing “Besides”
While besides is useful, overusing it in writing can make sentences repetitive. Vary your connectors with words like “also,” “in addition,” or “apart from” for better flow.
By being aware of these mistakes—confusing words, misuse for exclusion, wrong placement, and overuse—you can use besides confidently and accurately in any context.
Grammar and Sentence Placement
Understanding the grammar rules and placement of besides is key to using it naturally in English. Depending on its function, besides can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
1. Beginning of a Sentence
When besides is used to add information or emphasize a point, it often comes at the start. In this position, it is usually followed by a comma:
- “Besides, we need to finish the report by tomorrow.”
- “Besides, it’s not really expensive.”
This placement helps introduce additional ideas or reinforce your argument.
2. Middle of a Sentence
Besides can also appear in the middle to link two ideas smoothly:
- “I don’t like horror movies, besides they’re too scary for me.”
- “She enjoys painting, besides she also writes poetry.”
Here, besides connects two related ideas without starting a new sentence.
3. End of a Sentence
Though less common, besides can appear at the end for emphasis, usually in informal writing or speech:
- “I have no time to go shopping, and I’m tired besides.”
- “He doesn’t want to join the game, and I don’t, besides.”
4. Punctuation Tips
- Use a comma after besides at the start of a sentence.
- Avoid unnecessary commas in the middle unless separating clauses.
By mastering these placements, you can make your sentences sound natural and fluent. Practice positioning besides in different spots to see how it changes the flow and tone of your writing.
Practical Usage Tips
Using besides correctly in everyday English can make your speech and writing sound fluent and natural. Here are some practical tips to help you apply it effectively:
1. Think About the Meaning First
Before using besides, ask yourself if you want to add information, exclude something, or emphasize a point. Choosing the right meaning will prevent confusion.
- Add information: “Besides math, I enjoy science.”
- Exclude: “No one came besides John.”
- Emphasize: “Besides, it’s too late to go now.”
2. Use Synonyms When Needed
To avoid repetition, replace besides with similar words:
- “In addition to” or “also” for adding information.
- “Except” or “other than” for exclusion.
- “Moreover” for emphasis in formal writing.
3. Keep It Natural in Speech
In conversation, besides often adds a casual, friendly tone:
- “I don’t want to go out tonight. Besides, I’m tired.”
- “We don’t need to worry. Besides, it’s just practice.”
4. Combine with Practice
Make a list of your daily activities or interests and create sentences using besides.
For example:
- “Besides reading, I love cooking and jogging.”
- “No one besides my sister knows the secret.”
5. Avoid Overuse
While besides is versatile, too many instances can make writing repetitive. Mix it with other connectors to keep your sentences varied.
Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases with “Besides”
While besides is not commonly part of fixed idioms like some other words, it does appear in several phrases and informal expressions that add nuance to conversation. Understanding these can make your English sound more natural and native-like.
1. “Besides that”
This phrase is often used to introduce an additional point or reason:
- “I don’t like going out. Besides that, it’s too expensive.”
It emphasizes a second reason or idea, usually in casual speech.
2. “Besides everything/it all”
Used to summarize or add perspective, this phrase is common in both spoken and written English:
- “Besides everything, we had a great time on our trip.”
It conveys a sense of considering all factors or circumstances.
3. “Nothing besides”
This phrase expresses exclusivity, similar to “only”:
- “He eats nothing besides vegetables.”
It emphasizes that there is no other option or choice.
4. “Besides yourself” (idiomatic)
Although less common, this phrase means extremely upset or emotional:
- “She was besides herself with worry.”
This shows how besides can appear in figurative or emotional contexts.
5. Casual connectors with “besides”
In everyday conversation, people often use besides as a smooth way to add points without starting a new sentence:
- “I don’t need help. Besides, I already finished the work.”
By recognizing these phrases, learners can expand their vocabulary and use besides more flexibly. It goes beyond grammar, showing subtle ways to add emphasis, nuance, and flow in English.
Exercises and Practice with “Besides”
The best way to master besides is through practice. These exercises will help you understand its meanings, usage, and placement in sentences. Try to complete them before checking the answers.
1. Fill in the Blanks (Adding Information)
Complete the sentences using besides:
- _______ reading, she enjoys painting and writing.
- I don’t want to go out tonight. _______ it’s raining.
- _______ English, he speaks Japanese and French.
2. Fill in the Blanks (Exclusion / Except)
Use besides correctly to indicate exceptions:
- No one attended the meeting _______ John.
- There’s nothing to do in the town _______ visiting the museum.
- Everyone was invited to the party _______ Sam.
3. Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct mistakes in these sentences:
- She is besides her friend in the classroom.
- I like pizza I besides eat pasta.
- No one came besides Mary.
4. Create Your Own Sentences
Write three sentences using besides for each meaning:
- Adding information: __________________________
- Exclusion/except: __________________________
- Emphasis in informal speech: __________________________
5. Challenge Question
Rewrite this sentence using besides naturally:
- “In addition to studying for exams, I also work part-time.”
By practicing with these exercises, you’ll get more comfortable using besides in writing and conversation. Try to use your own ideas to make sentences more meaningful practice makes perfect!
FAQs
1. What does “besides” mean?
Besides is a versatile word in English that can mean “in addition to”, “except for”, or be used to emphasize a point. Its exact meaning depends on the context of the sentence.
2. How do you use “besides” in a sentence?
- Adding information: “Besides music, she enjoys painting.”
- Exclusion/except: “No one came besides John.”
- Emphasis: “Besides, it’s too late to go now.”
3. What is the difference between “besides” and “beside”?
- Beside refers to physical position, meaning next to: “The lamp is beside the bed.”
- Besides is used for adding information, exceptions, or emphasis.
4. Can I use “besides” in formal writing?
Yes, but be careful. For formal writing, using besides as “in addition to” is fine, but for emphasis in arguments, words like moreover or in addition are often preferred.
5. Is “besides” the same as “except”?
Sometimes, but not always. “Besides” can indicate exclusion in some cases, but usually it adds information rather than removes it. Always check the context.
6. Where should I place “besides” in a sentence?
- Beginning: “Besides, we need to finish this today.”
- Middle: “I like pizza, besides pasta.”
- End (informal): “I’m tired, and I don’t want to go, besides.”
Conclusion
Mastering the word besides can significantly improve both your spoken and written English.
Despite its small size, it is a versatile word that can add information, indicate exceptions, or emphasize a point depending on context.
By understanding the different meanings, common mistakes, and proper sentence placement, you can use besides confidently in conversations, emails, essays, and social media posts.
Practicing with examples, exercises, and idiomatic expressions will help make its use natural and fluent. Remember to also distinguish besides from similar words like beside or except to avoid confusion.
If you are a beginner or an advanced learner, incorporating besides effectively will make your English sound more polished, expressive, and precise.
Keep practicing, pay attention to context, and soon, besides will become a small word with a big impact in your daily communication.
Mia Queenton is a master of wordplay and the witty mind behind Punnery.com. She lives to twist language into laughter, proving that no phrase is safe from a well-timed pun. Whether crafting playful posts, pun-packed punchlines, or linguistic laughs, Mia brings humor and heart to every word. At Punnery.com, she turns everyday expressions into extraordinary chuckles—because for Mia, a day without a pun is simply unthinkable.
