Confused Words

Beside and Besides

Beside means next to, by the side of, near, etc.

Besides means in addition to, also, apart from, etc.

I have kept your lunch and medicine on the table beside your bed.

Besides being a successful businessman, he was also a top golf player.

Confused Prepositions

Beside and Besides

Rule: beside implies at the side, next to; besides implies except, apart from.

Incorrect Usage: (a) He was standing besides me.

  (b) Tom has other commitments beside these.                                              

Correct Usage: (a) He was standing beside me.

                             (b) Tom has other commitments besides these.