{"id":19303,"date":"2022-08-16T13:19:01","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T13:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=19303"},"modified":"2023-03-19T12:56:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-19T12:56:33","slug":"comma-after-besides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-after-besides\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma after “besides” \u2014 The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Using commas appropriately saves us from miscommunicating what we really mean. Needless to say, it is quite an important life skill to have.<\/span><\/p>\n

There’s been some curiosity on when exactly to place a comma after the word “besides” – a word that has multiple faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, we’ll be tackling this very issue so we can get rid of the confusion. The next section aims to briefly answer our problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

When does a comma come after “besides”?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A comma comes after “besides” when it is used as an introductory phrase as well as when it appears at the end of a parenthetical expression that comes midsentence. A post-comma is also necessary when “besides” is used in a quoted speech and when it is used before a direct address.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Place a comma after “besides” when…<\/b><\/h2>\n

The word “besides” has multiple faces. It can act either as an adverb or preposition in a sentence. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, it is also called a conjunctive adverb, which makes things a bit tricky.<\/p>\n

These lexical categories of “besides” mainly guide our comma decisions, but there are also some style-related matters to discuss.<\/span><\/p>\n

The same is also true with the <\/span>comma rules after the word “beforehand”<\/b><\/a> when used in a sentence. Like “besides,” it is also an adverb.<\/span><\/p>\n

When deciding whether a comma should come after “besides,” we can refer to these four key grammatical considerations listed in the next section.<\/span><\/p>\n

The discussion is going to be related to the structure of sentences, so feel free to check our <\/span>beginner’s guide to syntax<\/b><\/a> in your free time to understand better.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “besides” is used as an introductory phrase at the beginning of a sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

By and large, “besides” is used as an introductory expression in itself. It is used to suggest different meanings such as “on top of what has been said” and “moreover.”<\/span><\/p>\n

When “besides” is used as an introductory phrase or expression all by itself, a comma necessarily comes after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “besides” is used this way, it acts as a conjunctive adverb in a sentence. It works as an additive device, which helps in making sense of idea transitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, the comma also helps in creating a logical and cohesive transition between the two different ideas involved, especially when read out loud.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we talk about idea transitions, conjunctions are also very much part of the topic. So, learning more about <\/span>conjunctions<\/b><\/a> in detail is also recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

All in all, the word “besides” together with the post-comma insertion makes our sentences more read-worthy and easier to digest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s an example using “besides” as a conjunctive adverb introductory phrase:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter what you do, he still isn’t going to take you back. <\/span><\/i>Besides,<\/i><\/b> you were also in the wrong, so there’s really no reason for you to feel bad. <\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

In the example above, “besides” helps us understand that the second sentence is connected with the previous sentence; in fact, its meaning is also dependent on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The comma also gives us an idea that a quick break is needed before reading the main clause because we are dealing with an introductory expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without the comma, there is a high possibility of interpreting “besides” in the previous example as a preposition whose object is the succeeding pronoun “you.”.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “besides” is used at the end of a parenthetical phrase<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another condition that guides the necessary comma placement<\/a> after the word “besides” is when it is used at the end of a parenthetical phrase.<\/span><\/p>\n

A parenthetical phrase or expression is a piece of information that is deliberately added to achieve some emphatic effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

In writing, the goal of using parenthetical comments is to make the sentence more interesting to read and detail-oriented.<\/span><\/p>\n

Besides that, the aim of using commas around parenthetical statements is to mimic how the spoken language works.<\/span><\/p>\n

When this happens with “besides” as any other word that appears at the end of a parenthetical expression, a post-comma is always needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s an example to add some visuals:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

This place is superb, and <\/span><\/i>besides,<\/i><\/b> the food is excellent too!<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

As you can see, “and besides” is the whole parenthetical phrase in the example above. Since “besides” happens to be used in the end, then a comma has to come after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that it is also possible to remove the word “besides” and just go with the <\/span>coordinating conjunction<\/b><\/a> “and.”<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>comma before “and”<\/b><\/a> is necessary if and when it is used to link two independent clauses to form a compound sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “besides” is used in a quoted speech<\/b><\/h3>\n

A comma should also come after besides when it is used as a quoted remark or at least placed at the end of the quoted speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

The comma separates the quoted speech from the unquoted part. The unquoted part is also called the “attribution,” which is the identification of the source of information.<\/span><\/p>\n

This separation helps us smoothly identify the quoted speech and that it needs to be interpreted differently from the unquoted part.<\/span><\/p>\n

To see things more clearly, here’s an example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

“And <\/span><\/i>besides,<\/i><\/b>” he mumbled, “it is better to take hold of your life than being told what to do.”<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

In the example above, “and besides” is the quoted or direct speech, while “he mumbled” is the attribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take note that the letter “i” in “it” in the latter quoted speech should not be written in uppercase because it does not introduce a new sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, the second quoted speech is simply a continuation of the opening quoted speech that contains the word “besides” at the end.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/b>When “besides” is used before a direct address (name)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Last but not least, a necessary comma should also be used after “besides” when it is followed by a direct address.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also certain rules that govern the use of <\/span>commas before or after names<\/b><\/a> that function as direct addresses in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The golden rule is to always use one whenever in doubt. Being aware of this rule actually reduces the chances of misinterpretation, hence the importance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s how we can use “besides” this way:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

And <\/span><\/i>besides,<\/i><\/b> Mark, you are really lucky to have her as your wife.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

In the example above, the name “Mark” is used as a direct addressee’s name, particularly for drawing emphasis toward the receiver of the message.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the comma helps us understand clearly that “Mark” is not used as an object of preposition but rather a direct addressee’s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do not place a comma after “besides” when…<\/b><\/h2>\n

If there are some rules that guide how to use a comma after “besides,” there is also something that governs the comma omission.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

When “besides” is used as a preposition<\/b><\/h3>\n

As you may figure, there is no need for a comma when “besides” is used as a preposition in a sentence. This is because the <\/span>meaning of prepositions<\/b><\/a> is greatly linked to their objects.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “besides” is used as a preposition, it is “grammatically restrictive” to the wholistic meaning of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that it is a key element and non-removable part of the sentence where it is used. In other words, it is a vital part of the whole sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a preposition, “besides” suggests the meaning “apart from” or “with the exception of” which is useful in conveying the idea of exclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other than the mentioned senses, “but for,” “except,” “in addition to,” “as well as,” and “above and beyond” are also synonymous with “besides.”<\/span><\/p>\n

There should be no comma after “besides” when it is used such as in the following examples:<\/span>
\n<\/span>Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Besides<\/i><\/b> Jake, no one else can do this task because of its complexity.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n
Is there any other thing you cannot live without <\/span><\/i>besides<\/i><\/b> your phone?<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n
And <\/span><\/i>besides<\/i><\/b> not being able to see, you have the best talent in the world.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions on “Comma after ‘Besides’”<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

What does “besides” mean?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Besides” has multiple meanings. As a preposition, it usually suggests the meaning “apart from.” Meanwhile, as a conjunctive adverb, it is used to convey “on top of what has been previously said.”<\/span>
\n <\/p>\n

How can we use “besides” in a sentence?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Besides” can be used as a preposition to convey exclusion, such as in “besides you” and “besides Ali.” As a conjunctive adverb, though, it is mostly used to mean “on top of that,” in which  it is often used as an introductory expression or part of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What do we mean by “besides you”?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Besides you” can either mean “other than you,” “as well as you,” “on top of you,” “except you,” or “aside from you.”<\/span>
\n <\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n

Comma decisions, such as after “besides,” are one of the trickiest parts of writing. But, with more exposure, practice, and experience, there’s no way skills wouldn’t get better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join us again next time for more mind-opening language discussions, and remember to use your commas not perfectly but rather appropriately!<\/span>
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