Beside and besides

These expressions are often confused. Beside means ‘at the side of’, ‘by’ or ‘next to’.

Besides is a preposition. It means ‘as well as’.

Complete the following sentences using beside or besides.

1. Who is sitting ……………….. Jane?

a) beside

b) besides

2. ………………….. physics, we have to study chemistry and biology.

a) Beside
b) Besides

3. She was …………………. herself with worry.

a) beside
b) besides

4. Who was at the party ……………………. James and Peter?

a) beside
b) besides

5. The house is too small; ………………. it requires a lot of repairs.

a) beside
b) besides

6. It is too late to go out now. ……………….., it is starting to rain.

a) Beside
b) Besides

Answers

1. Who is sitting beside Jane?

2. Besides physics, we have to study chemistry and biology.

3. She was beside herself with worry.

4. Who was at the party besides James and Peter?

5. The house is too small; besides it requires a lot of repairs.

6. It is too late to go out now. Besides, it is starting to rain.