Besides vs Alongside: Differences And Uses For Each One

Are you confused about when to use “besides” and “alongside”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “besides” and “alongside”, and provide examples to help you understand when to use each one correctly.

We should clarify the definitions of these two words. “Besides” is an adverb that means “in addition to” or “apart from”. For example, “Besides studying for her exams, she also works part-time.” On the other hand, “alongside” is a preposition that means “next to” or “together with”. For example, “The new employee worked alongside her manager to complete the project.”

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you want to express that something is in addition to or apart from something else, use “besides”. If you want to express that something is next to or together with something else, use “alongside”.

Now that we’ve established the definitions and proper usage of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their nuances and explore some examples to help you understand when to use each one.

Define Besides

Besides is a preposition that means “in addition to” or “apart from”. It is often used to introduce an extra point or idea that is not directly related to the main topic. Besides can also be used as an adverb to mean “moreover” or “furthermore”.

For example:

• Besides studying for her exams, she also works part-time at a restaurant.
• Besides being a talented musician, he is also an accomplished painter.
• I don’t want anything else besides a cup of coffee.

Define Alongside

Alongside is a preposition that means “next to” or “together with”. It is often used to describe something that is physically or metaphorically beside something else. Alongside can also be used as an adverb to mean “at the same time” or “in addition”.

For example:

• The new building was constructed alongside the old one.
• She worked alongside her colleagues to complete the project.
• Alongside the increase in sales, the company also saw a rise in customer satisfaction.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “besides” and “alongside” in a sentence.

How To Use “Besides” In A Sentence

The word “besides” is often used to indicate that there is something in addition to what has already been mentioned. Here are some examples:

• Besides studying for his exams, John also worked part-time at a restaurant.
• I don’t want to go to the beach today. Besides, the weather doesn’t look good.
• Besides being a talented musician, Sarah is also an accomplished writer.

As you can see from these examples, “besides” is used to add extra information to a sentence. It can also be used to indicate that something is in addition to what was expected or assumed:

• Besides the cost of the ticket, there are also additional fees for baggage and seat selection.
• Besides being a great athlete, he is also a brilliant student.

How To Use “Alongside” In A Sentence

The word “alongside” is often used to indicate that two things are happening at the same time or in close proximity to each other. Here are some examples:

• The new building will be constructed alongside the existing one.
• The new employee will work alongside the current team members.
• She walked alongside the river, enjoying the peaceful scenery.

As you can see from these examples, “alongside” is used to describe a situation where two things are happening together or in close proximity. It can also be used to indicate that someone is working with or in support of someone else:

• The doctor worked alongside the nurse to provide the best possible care for the patient.
• The two companies worked alongside each other to develop a new product.

By understanding the proper usage of “besides” and “alongside,” you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Remember to use “besides” to add extra information and “alongside” to describe situations where two things are happening together or in close proximity.

More Examples Of Besides & Alongside Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how besides and alongside can be used in sentences. Both words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and uses in a sentence. Understanding how to use them correctly can help improve your writing and communication skills.

Examples Of Using Besides In A Sentence

• Besides studying for exams, I also have to work part-time to pay for my tuition.
• She is fluent in Spanish besides English.
• Besides being a great chef, he is also an accomplished painter.
• There are many reasons why I don’t want to go to the party, besides the fact that I’m not feeling well.
• Besides the main course, we also ordered a few appetizers to share.
• He is good at playing the guitar besides the piano.
• Besides his talent, he also has a great work ethic.
• Besides being a successful businessman, he is also a philanthropist.
• She has many hobbies besides reading and writing.
• Besides the rain, it’s a beautiful day outside.

Examples Of Using Alongside In A Sentence

• The new product will be launched alongside the existing line.
• He worked alongside his father in the family business for many years.
• The new employee will be working alongside the experienced team members.
• The new technology was developed alongside the latest research findings.
• The company is expanding its operations in Europe alongside its existing markets.
• The new building will be constructed alongside the old one.
• The new policy will be implemented alongside the existing guidelines.
• The new software will be released alongside the new hardware.
• The new team members will be trained alongside the existing staff.
• The new project will be completed alongside the current one.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using besides and alongside, many people tend to interchange them without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Besides As A Synonym For Alongside

One of the most common mistakes people make is using besides as a synonym for alongside. However, besides means “in addition to” or “apart from,” while alongside means “next to” or “together with.” For example:

• Incorrect: Besides working on the project, I also helped my colleague.
• Correct: Alongside working on the project, I also helped my colleague.

Using besides in the above sentence would imply that the speaker did something else in addition to working on the project, while alongside correctly conveys that the speaker did both things at the same time.

Using Besides To Mean Except

Another common mistake is using besides to mean except. While besides can mean “apart from,” it is not interchangeable with except. For example:

• Incorrect: Besides for Tom, everyone attended the meeting.
• Correct: Except for Tom, everyone attended the meeting.

Using besides in the above sentence would imply that Tom attended the meeting and did something else in addition to attending, while except correctly conveys that Tom did not attend the meeting.

Using Alongside To Mean In Addition To

Using alongside to mean “in addition to” is another common mistake. While alongside can mean “together with,” it is not interchangeable with in addition to. For example:

• Incorrect: Alongside my job, I also volunteer at the animal shelter.
• Correct: In addition to my job, I also volunteer at the animal shelter.

Using alongside in the above sentence would imply that the speaker does both things at the same time, while in addition to correctly conveys that the speaker does them separately.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of besides and alongside and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:

• Look up the definitions of besides and alongside to understand their meanings.
• Think about the context in which you are using these words to ensure that they convey the correct meaning.
• Read over your writing to check for any incorrect usage of besides and alongside.

By following these tips, you can avoid these common mistakes and use besides and alongside correctly in your writing.

Context Matters

Choosing between besides and alongside can depend on the context in which they are used. The two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in meaning that can affect the choice. Understanding the context is key to using these words correctly.

Examples Of Different Contexts:

• Location: When referring to physical location, alongside is often used to indicate a position next to something else. Besides, on the other hand, is used to indicate a secondary location or an additional item. For example, “The car was parked alongside the curb” versus “Besides the car, there were two bikes parked in the garage.”
• Relationships: In the context of relationships, besides is often used to indicate an additional person or thing. Alongside, on the other hand, is used to indicate a partnership or collaboration. For example, “Besides my sister, I also have two brothers” versus “I worked alongside my colleague to complete the project.”
• Reasoning: When providing reasoning or justification, besides is often used to indicate an additional point or argument. Alongside, on the other hand, is used to indicate a simultaneous occurrence or action. For example, “Besides being cost-effective, this option is also environmentally friendly” versus “Alongside reducing our carbon footprint, we can also save money.”

As you can see, the choice between besides and alongside can change depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the subtle differences in meaning in order to use these words correctly and effectively convey your message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using besides and alongside are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the context in which these words are being used to ensure proper usage. Below are some examples of exceptions to the rules:

1. Beside As A Preposition Of Place

While using “beside” as a synonym for “besides” is incorrect, it can be used as a preposition of place to indicate something is located next to something else. For example:

• The book is beside the lamp on the table.
• She sat beside her friend during the movie.

2. Alongside As A Noun

Although “alongside” is primarily used as a preposition, it can also function as a noun. For example:

• The boat was moored alongside the pier.
• The new employee will work alongside the CEO.

3. Besides As An Adverb

While “besides” is typically used as a preposition, it can also function as an adverb to mean “in addition to” or “moreover.” For example:

• Besides studying for the exam, she also worked on her thesis.
• There were no other options besides taking the train.

It is important to note that these exceptions are not interchangeable with the standard usage of the words. Understanding the context in which they are being used is essential for proper grammar and effective communication.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between besides and alongside, it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (besides or alongside) to complete the following sentences:

1. ______ studying, I enjoy playing video games.
2. We parked our car ______ the other vehicles in the lot.
3. ______ her job as a teacher, she also volunteers at a local animal shelter.
4. He always brings his dog ______ when he goes for a walk.
5. ______ the beautiful scenery, there are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in this area.

Answer Key:

1. Besides
2. Alongside
3. Besides
4. Alongside
5. Besides

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using besides and another sentence using alongside. Then, explain the difference in meaning between the two sentences.

Besides	Alongside
______ studying for her upcoming exam, she is also working part-time at a local coffee shop.	He placed his phone ______ his laptop on the desk.

Explanation:

The sentence using besides indicates that the person is doing two separate activities, studying and working at a coffee shop. The sentence using alongside indicates that the phone and laptop are in close proximity to each other on the desk.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of using “besides” and “alongside” in writing, it is clear that these words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Key Takeaways:

• “Besides” is used to indicate an additional or contrasting point, while “alongside” is used to indicate a simultaneous or accompanying point.
• Both words can be used as prepositions or adverbs, but “besides” can also be used as a conjunction.
• It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between “besides” and “alongside”.

As writers, it is essential to have a strong grasp of grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate our ideas. By continuing to learn and improve our skills, we can create more impactful and engaging content for our readers.