Besides vs. Alongside: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Besides" means "in addition to" or "apart from," while "alongside" indicates "next to" or "together with."
Difference Between Besides and Alongside
"Besides" and "alongside" are both prepositions in the English language, but they cater to distinct contexts and meanings. Their applications are quite different, even if occasionally, they might seem interchangeable in casual speech.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
"Besides" primarily conveys the idea of "in addition to" or "apart from." When used in conversation, it often introduces an additional point or an exception. For instance, when discussing favorite hobbies, one might say, "I love reading; besides, it helps expand my vocabulary." While "besides" can, in rare contexts, mean "next to," this is not its primary function, and it's more often associated with the additive sense.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
"Alongside," in contrast, is primarily spatial. It points to the idea of being "next to" or "adjacent to" something. When one says, "The boat sailed alongside the pier," it indicates the boat's position relative to the pier. "Alongside" carries a sense of companionship or parallel existence, emphasizing the physical or metaphorical closeness of two entities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In essence, while "besides" and "alongside" both can connect ideas or entities, their main distinction lies in their context. "Besides" leans toward additive or exceptional contexts, and "alongside" gravitates towards indicating proximity or parallelism.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
Besides vs. Alongside Comparison Chart
Besides vs. Alongside Definitions
◉Besides
As an additional point or factor.
The park is beautiful; besides, it's free to enter.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Alongside
Next to; at the side of.
The ship was docked alongside the wharf.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Alongside
At the same time as something else.
Alongside the main event, there were smaller shows happening.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Alongside
Together with; accompanying.
She worked alongside her colleagues to finish the project.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Besides
In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
As a result of; following.
He achieved fame alongside considerable criticism.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Besides
Moreover; furthermore
I'm too tired to go for a walk. Besides, it's raining.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
Along, near, at, or to the side
stood with a bodyguard alongside.
drove up alongside.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
By the side of; side by side with
The boat lay alongside the pier.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
Along the side; by the side; side by side; abreast.
Ahoy! Bring your boat alongside.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
Together with or at the same time.
The nurse worked alongside the doctor.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
Along or by the side; side by side with; - often with of; as, bring the boat alongside; alongside of him; alongside of the tree.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Alongside
In comparison with.
His achievements, alongside hers, seemed minor.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Besides
(conjunctive) Used to emphasize an additional point, especially an important or stronger reason; moreover; furthermore.
I don't feel like going out tonight. Besides, I have to work tomorrow morning anyway.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
More than that; over and above; not included in the number, or in what has been mentioned; moreover; in addition.
The men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides ?
To all beside, as much an empty shade,An Eugene living, as a Cæsar dead.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Over and above; separate or distinct from; in addition to; other than; else than. See Beside, prep., 3, and Syn. under Beside.
Besides your cheer, you shall have sport.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
making an additional point; anyway;
I don't want to go to a restaurant; besides, we can't afford it
she couldn't shelter behind him all the time and in any case he wasn't always with her
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
In addition to.
She plays the guitar; besides, she's also a good singer.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Besides vs. Alongside Frequently Asked Questions
How is "alongside" used in spatial contexts?
"Alongside" is used to indicate something being "next to" or "adjacent to" another.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
What does "besides" primarily mean?
"Besides" mainly means "in addition to" or "apart from."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which term emphasizes closeness or parallelism?
"Alongside" emphasizes closeness or parallel existence.
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
In which context might "besides" hint at an exception?
"Besides" can hint at an exception when it means "apart from" or "excluding."
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
Can "besides" ever indicate position?
While rare, "besides" can occasionally mean "next to," but it's not the primary usage.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
How do both words function in a sentence?
Both "besides" and "alongside" function as prepositions connecting ideas or entities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is "alongside" only used for physical proximity?
No, "alongside" can also indicate metaphorical closeness or parallel situations.
William
Sep 25, 2023
When discussing relative achievements, which word might be suitable?
When comparing achievements, "alongside" can be used.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can "besides" and "alongside" be used interchangeably?
While occasionally they might seem so, they cater to different contexts and are not typically interchangeable.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
How does "besides" introduce an additional point?
"Besides" can be used to add more information or introduce a supplementary idea.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
