Also vs. Besides

Attribute	Also	Besides
Meaning	in addition; too; as well	in addition to; apart from; moreover
Usage	used to add more information or to introduce something related	used to introduce additional information or alternatives
Position in sentence	can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence	often used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence
Formality	considered slightly more formal than "besides"	considered slightly less formal than "also"

Introduction

When it comes to connecting ideas in writing, two common transitional words that are often used are "also" and "besides." While they may seem similar at first glance, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "also" and "besides" to help you understand when and how to use them effectively in your writing.

Definition and Usage of Also

The word "also" is used to add information that agrees with or supports what has already been said. It is typically used to introduce an additional point or idea that is related to the main topic. For example, "She enjoys reading novels. She also likes watching movies." In this sentence, "also" is used to indicate that the subject enjoys both reading novels and watching movies.

One key point to remember about "also" is that it is usually placed before the verb in a sentence. This helps to clearly connect the additional information to the main idea. Additionally, "also" can be used in both formal and informal writing, making it a versatile transitional word that can be used in a variety of contexts.

Definition and Usage of Besides

On the other hand, "besides" is used to introduce information that is different from or in addition to what has already been mentioned. It is often used to provide an alternative perspective or to introduce a contrasting idea. For example, "She enjoys reading novels. Besides, she prefers non-fiction books." In this sentence, "besides" is used to indicate that the subject not only enjoys reading novels but also has a preference for non-fiction books.

Unlike "also," "besides" is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause. This helps to emphasize the additional information and create a clear distinction between the main idea and the supporting details. Additionally, "besides" is often used in more formal writing to introduce a new point or to provide additional context for the reader.

Key Differences Between Also and Besides

• Also is used to add information that supports or agrees with the main idea, while besides is used to introduce information that is different or in addition to the main idea.
• Also is typically placed before the verb in a sentence, while besides is often placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
• Also can be used in both formal and informal writing, while besides is more commonly used in formal writing.
• Also is used to connect related ideas, while besides is used to introduce contrasting or alternative perspectives.

Examples of Using Also and Besides

Let's look at some examples to see how "also" and "besides" can be used in context:

• She enjoys reading novels. She also likes watching movies.
• He is a talented musician. Besides, he is also a skilled painter.
• They went to the beach. Besides swimming, they also played beach volleyball.
• I enjoy hiking. Besides, I also like to go camping in the mountains.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "also" and "besides" are both transitional words that can be used to connect ideas in writing, they have distinct meanings and usage. "Also" is used to add information that supports the main idea, while "besides" is used to introduce information that is different or in addition to the main idea. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you use them effectively in your writing to create clear and cohesive connections between ideas.