Are you confused about when to use “aside” and “beside”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with these two words, but fear not, we’re here to help.
First off, let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. The answer is…it depends. Both “aside” and “beside” can be correct, but they have different meanings.
“Aside” means to set something to the side or apart from something else. It can also mean to disregard or ignore something. For example, “I set aside some time to work on my project” or “Let’s put aside our differences and work together.”
“Beside,” on the other hand, means next to or alongside something. For example, “I sat beside my friend at the movie theater” or “The book was beside the lamp on the table.”
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into the nuances of these two words and when to use them.
Aside
Aside is a word that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common meanings of aside is to refer to something that is set apart or away from something else. In this context, aside is often used to describe something that is not directly related to the main topic or action. For example, in a play, an aside is a remark made by a character that is intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage.
Aside can also be used as an adverb to mean “to one side” or “out of the way.” For example, you might ask someone to move aside so that you can pass by them on a crowded street.
Beside
Beside is a preposition that is used to indicate that something is next to or alongside something else. It is often used to describe physical proximity. For example, you might say that your car is parked beside the house, or that you are sitting beside your friend at a restaurant.
Beside can also be used as an adverb to mean “by the side of” or “close to.” For example, you might say that you are standing beside a lake, or that you are walking beside a busy road.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended message effectively. Two words that are often confused are “aside” and “beside.” In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use Aside In A Sentence
The word “aside” is often used to indicate a comment or remark made by someone that is not intended for everyone to hear. It can also be used to indicate a deviation from the main topic or a temporary break from an activity. Here are some examples:
- “He leaned over and whispered an aside to his friend.”
- “Aside from his love for music, he also enjoys painting.”
- “Let’s set aside our differences and work towards a common goal.”
As you can see from the examples, “aside” is used to indicate something that is separate or apart from the main topic or activity.
How To Use Beside In A Sentence
The word “beside” is often used to indicate a physical location or position next to something or someone. It can also be used to indicate a comparison between two things. Here are some examples:
- “She sat beside her best friend during the movie.”
- “The new building is beside the old one.”
- “Beside her, he looked like a giant.”
As you can see from the examples, “beside” is used to indicate a physical location or a comparison between two things.
More Examples Of Aside & Beside Used In Sentences
Understanding the difference between aside and beside is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will provide more examples of how each word is used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Aside In A Sentence
- She set her book aside and went to answer the phone.
- Aside from the occasional typo, the report was well-written.
- He made a rude comment aside to his friend.
- Aside from the weather, the trip was enjoyable.
- She pushed her fears aside and went bungee jumping.
- Aside from the main course, the restaurant also offered a variety of appetizers.
- He set aside some money each month for his retirement fund.
- Aside from her talent, she also had a great work ethic.
- The teacher pulled the student aside to discuss his behavior.
- Aside from the traffic, the commute was relatively easy.
Examples Of Using Beside In A Sentence
- She sat beside her friend during the movie.
- Beside the river, they set up a picnic area.
- Beside his academic achievements, he was also a talented athlete.
- She felt a sense of calm beside the ocean.
- Beside the main entrance, there was a smaller side door.
- He stood beside the podium, ready to give his speech.
- Beside the cake, there were also cupcakes and cookies.
- She placed her keys beside her purse on the table.
- Beside his anger, he also felt a sense of sadness.
- They walked beside each other, enjoying the scenery.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using aside and beside, many people tend to interchange the two words. However, doing so can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Aside” When You Mean “Beside”
One common mistake is using “aside” when you actually mean “beside”. “Aside” means to set something apart or to the side, while “beside” means next to or alongside. For example:
- Incorrect: Please put the book aside the table.
- Correct: Please put the book beside the table.
Using “aside” in this context would imply that the book should be set apart or to the side of the table, rather than next to it.
Using “Beside” When You Mean “Aside”
Conversely, another common mistake is using “beside” when you actually mean “aside”. This can happen when someone is trying to emphasize the separation or distinction between two things. For example:
- Incorrect: Let’s put our differences beside and work together.
- Correct: Let’s put our differences aside and work together.
In this context, using “beside” would imply that the differences are next to each other, rather than being set apart or put to the side.
Offering Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Take a moment to think about the meaning of the words “aside” and “beside” before using them.
- If you’re unsure which word to use, try substituting “next to” for “beside” and “set apart” for “aside” to see which makes more sense in the context.
- Proofread your writing carefully to ensure you’ve used the correct word.
By avoiding these common mistakes and using aside and beside correctly, you can communicate more clearly and effectively.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between aside and beside, context is key. The decision on which to use often depends on the specific situation in which they are being used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between aside and beside might change:
| Context | Appropriate Usage |
|---|---|
| Physical Location | When referring to physical location, beside is generally used. For example, “The book is beside the lamp.” |
| Conversation | When referring to a conversation or dialogue, aside is typically used. For example, “Aside from that, what did they say?” |
| Theater | In theater, aside is used to refer to a character speaking directly to the audience without being heard by other characters on stage. For example, “Aside from the other characters, the protagonist reveals his true thoughts to the audience.” |
As you can see, the appropriate usage of aside vs beside can vary greatly depending on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the specific situation and choose the word that best conveys your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While there are general rules for using aside and beside, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Colloquialism
In casual conversation, people may use aside and beside interchangeably, even if it goes against the general rules of grammar. For instance:
- “Come sit beside me” instead of “Come sit aside me”
- “Let’s put that aside for now” instead of “Let’s put that beside for now”
While these phrases may not be technically correct, they are commonly used and understood in everyday speech.
2. Regional Differences
Aside and beside may have different meanings in different parts of the world. For example, in some regions, aside may be used to mean “in addition to” or “apart from”, while beside may be used to mean “next to” or “alongside”.
Here are some examples:
| Region | Aside | Beside |
|---|---|---|
| North America | “Aside from the fact that it’s expensive, it’s a great restaurant.” | “She sat beside her friend at the movie.” |
| United Kingdom | “Aside from the weather, it was a lovely trip.” | “He stood beside the car.” |
It’s important to be aware of these regional differences when communicating with people from different parts of the world.
3. Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions that use aside or beside in a specific way that may not follow the general rules. Here are some examples:
- “Step aside” – meaning to move out of the way
- “Beside oneself” – meaning to be extremely upset or emotional
- “Put aside” – meaning to set something aside or save it for later
These expressions have a specific meaning that may not be related to the general rules for using aside and beside.
Practice Exercises
To help readers improve their understanding and use of aside and beside in sentences, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| 1. Please move your chair __________ mine. | 2. __________ from the fact that he was tired, he still managed to finish the project on time. | 3. She set her book __________ and went to answer the phone. |
| beside | Aside | aside |
Answer key:
- 1. beside
- 2. Aside
- 3. aside
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
- He stood __________ me during the entire conversation.
- __________ from the fact that she was nervous, she gave a great presentation.
- She put her phone __________ and focused on her work.
a) beside b) aside
Answer key:
- a) beside
- b) Aside
- b) aside
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between aside and beside is crucial for effective communication and clear writing. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Aside is used to indicate a digression or interruption, while beside means next to or alongside.
- Aside is often used in theatrical contexts, while beside is more commonly used in everyday language.
- It’s important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and ambiguity in your writing.
As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. Whether you’re a professional writer or just someone who wants to improve their communication skills, there are many resources available to help you continue learning and growing.
So don’t be afraid to explore new topics and expand your knowledge. With a solid understanding of grammar and language use, you can communicate more effectively and make a greater impact with your words.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.