What's the Difference Between 'Aside' and 'Beside'?

In this blog post we look at when to use aside and when to use beside.

'Aside' or 'Beside'?

"Aside" and "beside" are two words that are often confused because they sound similar and have similar meanings. However, they are not interchangeable and have different uses.

"Aside" is a preposition that means "to or on one side of something or someone." It can also mean "separate from the main topic or matter." 

"Beside" is a preposition that means "next to or by the side of something or someone." It can also mean "in comparison with."

So, "aside" refers to something being set to the side or separate from the main topic or matter, while "beside" refers to something being next to or by the side of something or someone.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between “aside” and “beside”:

  • "She put her book aside and picked up her phone." (to the side of something)

  • "He stepped aside to let the other person pass." (to the side of someone)

  • "The group decided to set their personal differences aside and focus on the task at hand." (separate from the main topic or matter)

  • "She sat beside him on the couch." (next to something)

  • "The cat slept beside the fireplace." (next to something)

  • "He stood beside her as she gave her speech." (next to someone)

  • "This book is much smaller beside the others on the shelf." (in comparison with)

Examples of Aside in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "aside":

  1. "She set her work aside to go on a walk and clear her head."

  2. "He stepped aside to let the other person pass."

  3. "The group set their personal differences aside and focused on the task at hand."

  4. "She put her book aside and picked up her phone."

  5. "She set aside some money each month for her savings."

  6. "He set aside his pride and apologized for his mistake."

  7. "She set aside her anger and forgave him for his mistake."

  8. "He set aside his work and spent time with his family."

  9. "She moved the flowers aside to see the view."

  10. "He pushed the plate aside to make room for his laptop."

Examples of Beside in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "beside":

  1. "She sat beside him on the couch."

  2. "The cat slept beside the fireplace."

  3. "He stood beside her as she gave her speech."

  4. "This book is much smaller beside the others on the shelf."

  5. "She placed the vase beside the lamp on the table."

  6. "He put his jacket beside hers on the coat rack."

  7. "She put the cups beside the plates on the table."

  8. "He put the shoes beside the door to be worn later."

  9. "She put the flowers beside the picture on the mantle."

  10. "He put the laptop beside the mouse on the desk."


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Aside or Beside
Aside or Beside