besides
- 01 B1 Intermediate
prep.in addition to something; as well as.
prep.in addition to or as well as something else. Often used to introduce a list of items or people that are being included in a statement.
Simple“Besides the salad, we ordered two large pizzas for the group.”
In context“Besides the primary funding from the government, the research project received several private grants from international environmental organisations.”
PitfallBeside my parents, my brother also came. Besides my parents, my brother also came.Use 'besides' for 'in addition to'. 'Beside' (without the 's') means 'next to'.
Synonymsplusas well as - 02 B1 Intermediate
prep.other than or except for.
prep.other than; used to indicate an exception or the only remaining option in a set.
Simple“There was no one in the office besides the security guard.”
In context“The witness claimed she saw no one else at the scene besides the defendant, though the lighting was admittedly poor.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
adv.you use this to add an extra, often more important, reason for something.
adv.used as a conjunctive adverb to introduce an additional, often more persuasive or conclusive, point or reason.
Simple“I don't want to go to the party; besides, I have too much work.”
In context“The company cannot afford a new marketing campaign this quarter; besides, our current strategy is still yielding significant growth in the target demographic.”
UsageUsually placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to add a final point.
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.in other ways or in addition to what has been mentioned.
adv.otherwise; in addition to what has already been stated or considered.
Simple“She is a bit shy, but besides that, she is a great leader.”
In context“The engine has a minor oil leak, but besides that, the vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition for its age.”
besides vs beside — Beside indicates physical proximity, while besides introduces an additional point or item.
“Besides Waltz and Hegseth, the group also included the vice-president, JD Vance, and the CIA director, John Ratcliffe.”
“Besides costs, some officials worried about technical problems.”
From Middle English bisides (also bisiden), extension of biside, equivalent to beside + -s (adverbial suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.