Cool MateAlso vs Besides
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Also
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Besides
Top 2,000 (common)B2preposition
Most common: Also
| Also | Besides | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/bɪˈsaɪdz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bɪˈsaɪdz/"]/ |
| Meaning | in addition to something else | Also; in addition to. |
| Example | She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian. | We have lots of things in common besides music. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | preposition |
| Collocations | also known as, also includes, can also be | besides the point, besides this, besides being |
| Antonyms | otherwise, differently | excluding, without |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'too' — both mean similar things but are used differently., 'Also' placed incorrectly in sentences — it generally goes before the main verb. | Using 'besides' when 'beside' (next to) is meant., Confusing 'besides' with 'beside'., Incorrectly using 'besides' with a negative statement. |
| Usage notes | Use 'also' to add information. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it at the beginning of sentences in very formal writing. | Use 'besides' to introduce additional information. It fits informal and formal contexts but is slightly more common in spoken English. Avoid using it at the beginning of a formal document. |
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Frequently asked questions: Also vs Besides
What's the difference between Also and Besides?
Also: in addition to something else Besides: Also; in addition to.
Which is more common: Also and Besides?
Also is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Also and Besides?
Besides is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Also and Besides the same CEFR level?
Also: A1, Besides: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Also and Besides?
Also: adverb, Besides: preposition.
Can you show an example of each?
Also: She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian. Besides: We have lots of things in common besides music.
Can I use Also and Besides interchangeably?
Not always. Also and Besides are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.