Understanding 'Besides': A Guide for Grammar Lovers

When trying to navigate the intricacies of the English language, it's easy to get stuck on minute details. One such detail is the word besides, which has often been mistakenly labeled as an adverb. However, this common misidentification can lead to confusion. Let's delve into the true function of besides and explore how it is, in fact, a preposition, with a focus on its contextual use and practical applications.

1. Introduction to 'Besides'

The term besides is a versatile word in the English language, and while it may be classified differently, its usage often blurs the lines between being a preposition and an adverb. We first encounter besides as early learners of the language, learning that it indicates something additional to the main subject. Its dual nature can make it tricky, but rest assured, we'll unravel its grammatical complexity in this guide.

2. The Misconception: 'Besides' as an Adverb

Before we go deeper into whether besides is a preposition, it's helpful to see why it might be mistaken as an adverb. Many have encountered sentences where besides seems to modify a verb, making it feel like an adverb. However, this isn't the case.

Example: Besides writing articles, I volunteer at the local library.

In this sentence, besides operates more as a linking element that introduces an additional activity, rather than modifying the verb "writing." It's this structure and function that lead to the misconception of besides as an adverb.

3. 'Besides' as a Preposition

To dispel the confusion, we need to understand the true nature of besides. At its core, besides is a preposition that indicates addition or augmentation. It introduces elements that are extra or supplementary to the primary statement. This is why it often appears in structures where it's followed by a noun or a clause.

Example: Besides food, he gave her some money.

Here, food is introduced as an additional element that goes beyond the main action, highlighting the sensory rewards beyond just the financial ones. Similarly, in the sentence:

Example: Besides being a play writer, Shakespeare was a poet.

Shakespeare's role as a poet is supplementary to his primary identity as a playwright, adding a dimension to his multifaceted literary life.

4. Understanding Prepositional Phrases with 'Besides'

Understanding the function of besides as a preposition involves recognizing its role in prepositional phrases. A prepositional phrase answers questions like "where," "when," "how," "what," or "why." In the case of besides, it helps clarify the extended context or additional information.

Example: She enjoys hiking besides swimming.

In this example, the phrase besides swimming can be broken down into besides (preposition) swimming (noun). The phrase besides swimming is a prepositional phrase that highlights the additional activity beyond the primary focus, which is hiking. This construction demonstrates how besides is a preposition that introduces supplementary information.

5. Practical Use in Sentences

To truly grasp the usage of besides, let's look at some practical examples and scenarios where it plays a crucial role.

Example: Besides having a great sense of humor, he is also a talented musician.

In this example, the addition of being a musician to his main characteristic (sense of humor) is introduced using besides. The sentence maintains its grammatical integrity, with besides linking a prepositional phrase that adds detail to the main clause.

Example: Besides the books, she bought some flowers from the bookstore.

Here, the additional purchase of flowers is highlighted, making the sentence complete with the introduction of a supplementary element through besides.

6. Common Misconceptions and Clarity

Even with the information at hand, some might still confuse besides as an adverb due to its similar sentence structure. However, by recognizing its role as a preposition, we can ensure accuracy in usage. For example:

Wrong (Misinterpretation): To write an article besides writing a novel.

Correct (Using a Preposition): Besides writing a novel, she wrote an article.

The first example might be seen as incorrect because it misplaces besides, making it seem like it modifies the verb "write," which would be incorrect. The correct usage uses besides as a preposition that introduces a supplementary activity.

7. Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while it may feel like a subtle difference, understanding the distinction between besides as an adverb versus a preposition can significantly enhance your writing and comprehension skills. By recognizing besides as a preposition that introduces additional elements, we can avoid misinterpretations and improve the clarity of our sentences. Whether you're refining your academic papers or engaging in everyday conversation, a clear understanding of the English language's nuances can make all the difference.

Further Reading

For those looking to delve further into the intricacies of the English language, consider exploring these resources to deepen your understanding:

Grammar Guidelines for Adverbs and Prepositions Advanced English Grammar for Writers and Speakers Common Misconceptions in English Language Usage