Besides vs. Alongside: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Besides" means 'in addition to' or 'apart from', often used to introduce an additional point; "Alongside" refers to being next to or together with something or someone.
Key Differences
Besides is used to introduce an additional idea or point, often as an adverb or preposition, indicating an exception or an alternative. Alongside is primarily used to describe the physical positioning of things or people, signifying proximity and partnership.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Besides can suggest an alternative perspective or additional element in an argument or discussion. In contrast, Alongside emphasizes a literal or figurative side-by-side arrangement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
The term besides can imply a figurative addition, not necessarily related to physical proximity. Alongside, however, often refers to a physical closeness or direct comparison.
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Nov 30, 2023
Besides can also mean 'other than' or 'except', introducing exceptions to a previous statement. Alongside suggests collaboration, support, or parallel existence, without necessarily implying comparison.
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Nov 30, 2023
In terms of usage, besides often introduces a new subject or adds information to a conversation. Alongside indicates coexistence or co-operation, frequently used to describe relationships or locations.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context of Use
Introducing additional ideas or exceptions
Describing physical positioning or partnership
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Nov 30, 2023
Figurative Use
Introducing non-physical elements or exceptions
Parallel existence or support, not necessarily physical
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Nov 30, 2023
Common Usage
In arguments or discussions
In relationships or location descriptions
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Nov 30, 2023
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Besides and Alongside Definitions
Besides
In addition to; apart from.
Besides math, he is also excellent at science.
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Nov 22, 2023
Alongside
Together with; in company with.
The new software will run alongside the existing system.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Alongside
Indicating support or partnership.
The community worked alongside local authorities.
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Nov 22, 2023
Alongside
Along, near, at, or to the side
Stood with a bodyguard alongside.
Drove up alongside.
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Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Introducing an additional point or argument.
I don't need a car; besides, I prefer to walk.
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Nov 22, 2023
Alongside
By the side of; side by side with
The boat lay alongside the pier.
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Oct 19, 2023
Besides
In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
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Oct 19, 2023
Alongside
Along the side; by the side; side by side; abreast.
Ahoy! Bring your boat alongside.
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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
Alongside
Together with or at the same time.
The nurse worked alongside the doctor.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
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Oct 19, 2023
Alongside
In comparison or parallel to.
His achievements stand alongside those of the greats.
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Nov 22, 2023
Besides
Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
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Oct 19, 2023
Alongside
Simultaneously or in conjunction with.
He worked alongside his studies.
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Nov 22, 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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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
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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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
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does "besides" imply physical proximity?
No, it's more about additional information or alternatives.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is "besides" used to introduce additional information?
Yes, it often introduces an extra point or information.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can "besides" be used as a conjunction?
Yes, it can function as a conjunction in a sentence.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is "alongside" used in navigation or maritime contexts?
Yes, it's frequently used to describe positions in these contexts.
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Nov 30, 2023
Does "alongside" refer to being next to something?
Yes, it indicates being next to or together with.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can "alongside" suggest cooperation or partnership?
Absolutely, it often implies working together or support.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can "besides" mean 'other than'?
Yes, it can be used to mean 'except' or 'other than'.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is "besides" formal or informal?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can "alongside" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can indicate parallel existence or comparison.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can "alongside" be used to describe equality?
Yes, it can indicate equality or parity in comparison.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can "alongside" describe simultaneous actions?
Yes, it can indicate doing things simultaneously.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is "alongside" appropriate in professional contexts?
Yes, it's often used in professional and business settings.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is "besides" used in academic writing?
Yes, it's suitable for use in academic and professional writing.
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Nov 30, 2023
Does "besides" have multiple meanings?
Yes, it can mean 'in addition to', 'except', or 'moreover'.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can "besides" imply an exception?
Yes, it can introduce an exception to a previous statement.
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Nov 30, 2023
Does "besides" ever indicate spatial relation?
Rarely, as it's more about additional information or exception.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Is "alongside" used in sports terminology?
Yes, particularly in team sports to describe playing positions.
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Nov 30, 2023
How is "alongside" commonly used in sentences?
It's often used to describe relationships, locations, or comparisons.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can "besides" start a sentence?
Yes, it can start a sentence when introducing an additional point.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Does "alongside" only refer to physical side-by-side arrangement?
No, it can also be used in a figurative sense.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
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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.
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