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Aside vs. Besides: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 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.
Aside vs. Besides

Key Differences

"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.
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"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.
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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.
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Can be noun, verb, or adverb
Mainly used as preposition or conjunction
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Nov 20, 2023

Usage in Literature

Technique for secret dialogue or thoughts
Not specifically used in a literary sense
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Nov 20, 2023

Meaning in Conversation

Implies deviation or secondary point
Suggests addition or extra information
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Use in Arguments

Highlights a tangential point
Introduces counterpoints or additional reasons
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Spatial or Contextual Use

Refers to placement to the side
Means "apart from" or "in addition to"
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Nov 20, 2023
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Besides

In addition to; also.
Besides English, she speaks French fluently.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Aside

Used in plays for characters' secret thoughts.
The actor delivered a poignant aside about the character's past.
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Nov 20, 2023

Besides

Apart from; other than.
There’s no one here besides us.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Aside

Out of one's thoughts or consideration.
Put your doubts aside and trust me.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Besides

As a further reason or argument.
You should join us for the hike; besides, it’s great exercise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Aside

To or toward the side
Step aside.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Used to introduce an additional point.
Besides, I think it’s too late to change plans now.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Aside

Out of one's thoughts or mind
Put my doubts aside.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Used to indicate that one option is better.
Why go out for dinner? Besides, I prefer home-cooked meals.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Aside

Apart
A day set aside for relaxing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

In reserve; away
Put a little money aside.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Moreover; furthermore
I'm too tired to go for a walk. Besides, it's raining.
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Oct 19, 2023

Aside

Being excepted or excluded from consideration
All joking aside, can you swim two miles?.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Otherwise; else
Has been to Mexico but nowhere besides.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A piece of dialogue intended for the audience and supposedly not heard by the other actors on stage.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

In addition to
She was given a scholarship besides the award.
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Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A remark made in an undertone so as to be inaudible to others nearby.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A parenthetical departure; a digression.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

In addition, in addition to.
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

Not in perfect symmetry; distorted laterally, especially of the human body.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

(obsolete) Beside.
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

(conjunctive) Also; in addition.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A minor related mention, an afterthought.
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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.
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

Otherwise; else.
I have been to Spain but nowhere besides.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

Out of one's thoughts; off; away; as, to put aside gloomy thoughts.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

(obsolete) On one side.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

So as to be heard by others; privately.
Then lords and ladies spake aside.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

On one side.
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Oct 19, 2023

Aside

Something spoken aside; as, a remark made by a stageplayer which the other players are not supposed to hear.
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
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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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A message that departs from the main subject
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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
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
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Besides

In addition;
He has a Mercedes, too
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

Out of the way (especially away from one's thoughts);
Brush the objections aside
Pushed all doubts away
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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
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

In a different direction;
Turn aside
Turn away one's face
Glanced away
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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
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
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Aside

A departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
She made a humorous aside about her vacation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Aside

Positioned to the side or away from a main area.
He set the notes aside on the desk.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can "besides" start a sentence?

Yes, often to introduce an additional point.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Is "aside" used in formal writing?

Yes, particularly in literature and scholarly works.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Does "besides" always imply an addition?

Generally, it introduces extra information or alternatives.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Is "aside" a directional term?

Yes, it can indicate something placed to the side.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Is "aside" commonly used in everyday conversation?

Yes, especially for brief, tangential comments.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

What is an example of "aside" in a play?

A character quietly revealing their thoughts to the audience.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can "besides" mean "except for"?

In some contexts, it can imply "other than."
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Are "asides" always spoken out loud?

In drama, they are spoken; in prose, they can be internal thoughts.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Does "aside" always indicate secrecy?

Often, but not always; context matters.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can "besides" function as a conjunction?

Yes, it can connect clauses in a sentence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Is "besides" appropriate in academic writing?

Yes, when used to add supplementary points.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Is "aside" commonly used in speeches?

Yes, for rhetorical effect or to address a specific audience.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can "besides" be used to strengthen an argument?

Yes, by adding more supporting details or reasons.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can "aside" be used in non-dramatic writing?

Yes, to denote a digression or parenthetical comment.
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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
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can "aside" indicate a physical movement?

Yes, like moving something to the side.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can "besides" introduce a contrasting point?

Yes, especially in arguments or discussions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Is "aside" a formal term?

It can be both formal and informal, depending on usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

How does "besides" differ from "beside"?

"Besides" adds information, "beside" means next to.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Does "besides" always follow a comma?

Not always, but it often does when introducing a new clause.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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.

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