besides

besides — adverb

1. used to add one more fact, reason, or item, often with the idea of "also" or "wh

1.adverbB1
Definition

used to add one more fact, reason, or item, often with the idea of "also" or "what is more".

Example

I do not want to drive tonight; besides, the roads are icy.

Besides, + clause adds another reason

The cafe is too crowded, and besides, the coffee is expensive.

Common collocations
  • and besides
  • besides, the fact is
  • dessert besides
  • a little besides
Synonyms
  • also

    more neutral and common inside the clause

  • too

    usually comes at the end of the clause in speech

  • moreover

    more formal and common in writing

  • anyway

    can add a point too, but often signals a return to the main topic

Grammar Patterns

Besides, + clause

[item] + besides

Usage Note

Most often comes at the start of a second clause, followed by a comma, when the speaker adds another argument. After a list, it is a little more literary and means "as well".

Common Mistakes

Besides basketball, I play tennis.
Besides basketball, I play tennis.' / 'I play tennis besides.
the first sentence uses the preposition sense; the adverb sense stands alone without an object.
I am tired. Besides I worked late.
I am tired. Besides, I worked late.
a comma usually follows sentence-initial 'besides'.

besides — preposition

besides — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Besides' adds one more reason or fact and often sounds slightly argumentative: 'I won't go; besides, I'm tired.' 'Also' is the most neutral choice and fits almost anywhere in the clause: 'I also need a map.' 'Too' usually comes at the end and sounds conversational: 'I need a map too.' 'Moreover' is more formal and common in essays or reports, where the writer builds a careful case. 'Anyway' can introduce an extra point, but it often means 'in spite of that' or brings the speaker back to the main point. If you are giving another supporting reason, choose 'besides'. If you are simply adding information, 'also' or 'too' is usually better.

besides ↗also ↗too ↗moreover ↗anyway

Common collocations

Phrases

  • and besides
  • besides that
  • who besides
  • what besides

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

'Besides' grew out of 'beside', which comes from Old English 'be sidan', literally 'by the side'. In Middle English, an extra '-s' ending helped form adverbial uses. From the older idea of being at someone's side, the word widened to mean 'apart from that' and then 'also' or 'what is more'. That is why modern 'besides' can work as a preposition, an adverb, and, in rare older-style use, a word meaning 'else'.