Aside vs. Besides: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 20, 2023
"Aside" often refers to a comment made to a select audience or a deviation from the main topic; "Besides" means in addition to or apart from.
Key Differences
"Aside" can also signify a physical placement, indicating something is to the side or away from the main area. In contrast, "Besides" is used in arguments or discussions to introduce counterpoints or additional reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
When "Aside" is used, it often implies a temporary shift in focus or attention, highlighting a secondary or less important point. "Besides," however, is used to strengthen a point by adding supplementary information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
In literature and drama, "aside" is a technique where a character's dialogue is spoken but not heard by other characters on stage. Contrastingly, "Besides" is used in everyday language to add more information or to list additional items or arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Aside" is typically used to indicate a statement or remark that deviates from the main subject, often as a brief comment or thought. "Besides," on the other hand, serves to introduce additional information, emphasizing an extra point or an alternative consideration.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Aside" can function as a noun, verb, or adverb, depending on its usage in a sentence. "Besides," predominantly used as a preposition or a conjunction, connects clauses or introduces additional elements in a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be noun, verb, or adverb
Mainly used as preposition or conjunction
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Usage in Literature
Technique for secret dialogue or thoughts
Not specifically used in a literary sense
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Meaning in Conversation
Implies deviation or secondary point
Suggests addition or extra information
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Use in Arguments
Highlights a tangential point
Introduces counterpoints or additional reasons
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Spatial or Contextual Use
Refers to placement to the side
Means "apart from" or "in addition to"
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Aside and Besides Definitions
Aside
A remark not intended to be heard by everyone present.
He whispered an aside to his friend during the meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Aside
Used in plays for characters' secret thoughts.
The actor delivered a poignant aside about the character's past.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Aside
Out of one's thoughts or consideration.
Put your doubts aside and trust me.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Besides
As a further reason or argument.
You should join us for the hike; besides, it’s great exercise.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Besides
Used to introduce an additional point.
Besides, I think it’s too late to change plans now.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Besides
Used to indicate that one option is better.
Why go out for dinner? Besides, I prefer home-cooked meals.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Besides
In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Moreover; furthermore
I'm too tired to go for a walk. Besides, it's raining.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Being excepted or excluded from consideration
All joking aside, can you swim two miles?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A piece of dialogue intended for the audience and supposedly not heard by the other actors on stage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A remark made in an undertone so as to be inaudible to others nearby.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
To or on one side so as to be out of the way.
Move aside, please, so that these people can come through.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Not in perfect symmetry; distorted laterally, especially of the human body.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
An incidental remark to a person next to one made discreetly but not in private, audible only to that person.theatre (theatre) A brief comment by a character addressing the audience, unheard by other characters.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
On, or to, one side; out of a straight line, course, or direction; at a little distance from the rest; out of the way; apart.
Thou shalt set aside that which is full.
But soft! but soft! aside: here comes the king.
The flames were blown aside.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
So as to be heard by others; privately.
Then lords and ladies spake aside.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Something spoken aside; as, a remark made by a stageplayer which the other players are not supposed to hear.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
On or to one side;
Step aside
Stood aside to let him pass
Threw the book aside
Put her sewing aside when he entered
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Out of the way (especially away from one's thoughts);
Brush the objections aside
Pushed all doubts away
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Not taken into account or excluded from consideration;
These problems apart, the country is doing well
All joking aside, I think you're crazy
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Placed or kept separate and distinct as for a purpose;
Had a feeling of being set apart
Quality sets it apart
A day set aside for relaxing
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
In reserve; not for immediate use;
Started setting aside money to buy a car
Put something by for her old age
Has a nestegg tucked away for a rainy day
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
She made a humorous aside about her vacation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Aside
Positioned to the side or away from a main area.
He set the notes aside on the desk.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "besides" start a sentence?
Yes, often to introduce an additional point.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "aside" used in formal writing?
Yes, particularly in literature and scholarly works.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "besides" always imply an addition?
Generally, it introduces extra information or alternatives.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "aside" a directional term?
Yes, it can indicate something placed to the side.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "aside" commonly used in everyday conversation?
Yes, especially for brief, tangential comments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
What is an example of "aside" in a play?
A character quietly revealing their thoughts to the audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "besides" mean "except for"?
In some contexts, it can imply "other than."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Are "asides" always spoken out loud?
In drama, they are spoken; in prose, they can be internal thoughts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "aside" always indicate secrecy?
Often, but not always; context matters.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "besides" function as a conjunction?
Yes, it can connect clauses in a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "besides" appropriate in academic writing?
Yes, when used to add supplementary points.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "aside" commonly used in speeches?
Yes, for rhetorical effect or to address a specific audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "besides" be used to strengthen an argument?
Yes, by adding more supporting details or reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "aside" be used in non-dramatic writing?
Yes, to denote a digression or parenthetical comment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "besides" imply equality among items listed?
Not necessarily, it can simply add items to a list or argument.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "aside" indicate a physical movement?
Yes, like moving something to the side.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "besides" introduce a contrasting point?
Yes, especially in arguments or discussions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "aside" a formal term?
It can be both formal and informal, depending on usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
How does "besides" differ from "beside"?
"Besides" adds information, "beside" means next to.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "besides" always follow a comma?
Not always, but it often does when introducing a new clause.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
