Besides vs. Alongside — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 19, 2023
"Besides" can mean in addition to or apart from, and "Alongside" primarily refers to the position next to or together with. They vary in indicating positional relation and additional aspects or alternatives.
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Difference Between Besides and Alongside
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Key Differences
In terms of usage scope, "Besides" extends beyond mere positional indication, enveloping aspects of additionality and alternativity, enriching the narrative by facilitating the incorporation of extra details or possibilities. It broadens the communicative spectrum by offering more comprehensive insights or options. Conversely, "Alongside" remains closely tied to illustrating side-by-side existence or collaboration, refining the portrayal of mutual positioning or joint efforts, reinforcing the sense of shared space or goals.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
"Besides" carries a multifunctional utility, serving to introduce additional items in a list or present alternative scenarios, enabling the expression of supplementary information or choices. It provides breadth to the conveyed message, allowing the inclusion of diverse elements or options. On the other hand, "Alongside" maintains a more consistent application in representing parallel positioning or partnership, outlining the coordination or coexistence of entities in spatial or conceptual terms, enhancing the depiction of cooperation or simultaneity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
"Besides" and "Alongside," while sharing an implication of proximity or addition, are distinctly applied in contexts. "Besides" often conveys an idea of ‘in addition to’ or ‘apart from,’ and it can introduce additional information or alternatives, such as in "Besides mathematics, she is also proficient in science." "Alongside," conversely, predominantly signifies being next to or together with someone or something, emphasizing a physical or metaphorical positional relationship, like "She worked alongside her colleagues to complete the project."
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
While "Besides" is versatile in its application, often used to expand or diversify the discourse by introducing more elements or viewpoints, "Alongside" stands firm in its role of delineating concurrent presence or collaboration, underscoring the mutual association or parallelism between the entities involved. Thus, "Besides" opens up the conversation to new dimensions or perspectives, and "Alongside" solidifies the representation of unity or concomitance.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Usage
Introduces additional information or alternatives.
Indicates position next to or together with.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Application
More versatile in application.
Consistent in representing parallel positioning.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Contextual Implication
Can convey additionality and alternativity.
Emphasizes positional relationship or partnership.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Contribution to Narration
Enriches by incorporating extra details or possibilities.
Enhances portrayal of mutual positioning or collaboration.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Definitions
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Besides
Serving as an exception or further illustration.
Everyone besides Susan knew about the surprise party.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Besides
In addition to; apart from
I have no other family besides my parents
Besides being a player, he was my friend
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Besides
In addition; as well
I'm capable of doing the work, and a lot more besides
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Besides
In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Alongside
Along, near, at, or to the side
Stood with a bodyguard alongside.
Drove up alongside.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Besides
Moreover; furthermore
I'm too tired to go for a walk. Besides, it's raining.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Alongside
By the side of; side by side with
The boat lay alongside the pier.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Alongside
Along the side; by the side; side by side; abreast.
Ahoy! Bring your boat alongside.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Besides
Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Alongside
Together with or at the same time.
The nurse worked alongside the doctor.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
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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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Besides
Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
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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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
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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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
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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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
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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Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 19, 2021
Besides
Used to introduce something additional.
I don’t want to go there; besides, it’s too late now.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Besides
Moreover; furthermore.
The book is extremely interesting; besides, it’s not too long.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
Is "Alongside" used to signify positional relationship?
Yes, "Alongside" signifies a positional relationship, illustrating being next to or together with something or someone.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can "Besides" be used to convey more comprehensive insights?
Yes, "Besides" can convey more comprehensive insights by introducing additional details or possibilities.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can "Besides" be used to introduce alternative scenarios?
Yes, "Besides" can be used to present alternative scenarios or additional items in a list.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What does "Besides" generally imply?
"Besides" generally implies ‘in addition to’ or ‘apart from,’ introducing additional information or alternatives.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What does "Alongside" primarily refer to?
"Alongside" primarily refers to being next to or together with, indicating positional relation or partnership.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Does "Alongside" emphasize mutual association?
Yes, "Alongside" emphasizes mutual association and parallelism, reinforcing the sense of shared space or goals.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Does "Alongside" indicate side-by-side existence or collaboration?
Yes, "Alongside" consistently indicates side-by-side existence or collaboration, portraying mutual positioning or joint efforts.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Besides" versatile in its application?
Yes, "Besides" is versatile, serving to introduce additional elements, viewpoints, or alternatives in various contexts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Author Spotlight
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.