Next vs. Beside — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Next refers to something immediately adjacent or following in sequence, while beside means at the side of something, often indicating close proximity without direct contact.
Difference Between Next and Beside
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Next often connotes a position immediately adjacent or following something in a sequence, implying a relationship in terms of order or placement. Whereas beside refers to being at the side of something, focusing more on spatial proximity without implying a sequence.
Next can be used to indicate succession in time, such as in a list or narrative, where it signifies what follows. On the other hand, beside doesn't imply any temporal sequence but purely spatial relationship, existing simultaneously next to another object or person.
In language, "next" serves as both an adjective and adverb, often used to describe something coming immediately after in time or place. Whereas "beside" functions primarily as a preposition, indicating the physical location of something in relation to something else.
When giving directions, "next to" can suggest a closer, more immediate proximity or order, like in "next to the bank." On the other hand, "beside" might imply a slightly less immediate positioning but still very close, as in "the park beside the river."
In narrative context, "next" propels the flow of events or instructions, such as "What happened next?" Meanwhile, "beside" is more static, used to describe scenes or settings without implying progression, as in "She stood beside the car."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective, adverb
Preposition
Temporal Sequence
Implies succession
No temporal implication
Spatial Relation
Immediate proximity
Close but distinct proximity
Usage in Directions
Indicates a sequence
Indicates location without sequence
Narrative Role
Propels a story forward
Describes a static setting
Compare with Definitions
Next
Following in a sequence or series.
Who is next in line?
Beside
Compared with.
Beside his work, mine seems amateurish.
Next
Adjacent or nearest in position or sequence.
The next room over is quieter.
Beside
Not relevant or not comparable.
Beside the point, what were you saying?
Next
The first occasion or moment following the present.
We'll discuss it the next time we meet.
Beside
In addition to; apart from.
Beside the salary, the benefits were excellent.
Next
Immediately following in time, order, or space.
She will speak next at the conference.
Beside
Positioned or located next to.
The house beside the lake offers a beautiful view.
Next
In the position succeeding all others in terms of direction or location.
Take the next left turn.
Beside
At the side of; next to
The table beside the bed
He sat beside me in the front seat
Next
Nearest in space or position; adjacent
The next room.
Beside
In addition to; apart from
He commissioned work from other artists beside Minton
Next
Immediately following, as in time, order, or sequence
Next week.
The next item on the list.
Beside
At the side of; next to.
Next
In the time, order, or place nearest or immediately following
Reading this book next.
Our next oldest child.
Beside
In comparison with
A proposal that seems quite reasonable beside the others.
Next
On the first subsequent occasion
When next I write.
Beside
On an equal footing with
Has earned a place beside the best performers in the business.
Next
The next person or thing
The next will be better.
Beside
In addition to
"Many creatures beside man live in communities" (Stuart Chase). See Usage Note at besides.
Next
In place or position, having nothing similar intervening; adjoining.
The man in the next bunk kept me awake all night with his snoring.
She lives a mile or two away, in the next village.
Beside
Except for. See Usage Note at besides.
Next
(obsolete) Most direct, or shortest or nearest in distance or time.
Beside
Not relevant to
A remark that was beside the point.
Next
Nearest in order, succession, or rank; immediately following (or sometimes preceding) in order.
Please turn to the next page.
On Wednesday next, I'm going to Spain.
The next chapter; the next week; the Sunday next before Easter
The man was driven by his love for money and his desire to become the next Bill Gates.
Beside
In addition.
Next
Nearest in relationship. next of kin.}}
Next friend
Beside
Nearby.
Next
Denotes the one immediately following the current or most recent one.
Next week would be a good time to meet.
I'll know better next time.
Beside
Next to; at the side of.
A small table beside the bed
Next
(of days of the week or months of the year) Closest in the future, or closest but one if the closest is very soon; of days, sometimes thought to specifically refer to the instance closest to seven days (one week) in the future.
The party is next Tuesday; that is, not tomorrow, but eight days from now.
When you say next Thursday, do you mean Thursday this week or Thursday next week?
Beside
Not relevant to.
That is beside the point
Next
In a time, place, rank or sequence closest or following.
They live in the next closest house.
It's the next best thing to ice cream.
Beside
Besides; in addition.
Next
(conjunctive) So as to follow in time or sequence something previously mentioned.
First we removed all the handles; next, we stripped off the old paint.
Beside
Otherwise; else; besides.
Next
On the first subsequent occasion.
Financial panic, earthquakes, oil spills, riots. What comes next?
When we next meet, you'll be married.
Beside
At the side of; on one side of.
Next
On the side of; nearest or adjacent to; next to.
Beside
Aside from; out of the regular course or order of; in a state of deviation from; out of.
[You] have done enoughTo put him quite beside his patience.
Next
The one that follows after this one.
Next, please, don't hold up the queue!
One moment she was there, the next she wasn't.
The week after next
Beside
Over and above; distinct from; in addition to.
Wise and learned men beside those whose names are in the Christian records.
Paul, thou art beside thyself.
Lovely Thais sits beside thee.
Only be patient till we have appeasedThe multitude, beside themselves with fear.
It is beside my present business to enlarge on this speculation.
Besides this, there are persons in certain situations who are expected to be charitable.
And, besides, the MoorMay unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril.
That man that does not know those things which are of necessity for him to know is but an ignorant man, whatever he may know besides.
Next
Nearest in place; having no similar object intervening.
Her princely guestWas next her side; in order sat the rest.
Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way.
Next
Nearest in time; as, the next day or hour.
Next
Adjoining in a series; immediately preceding or following in order.
None could tell whose turn should be the next.
Next
Nearest in degree, quality, rank, right, or relation; as, the next heir was an infant.
The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
Next
In the time, place, or order nearest or immediately succeeding; as, this man follows next.
Next
Nearest in space or position; immediately adjoining without intervening space;
Had adjacent rooms
In the next room
The person sitting next to me
Our rooms were side by side
Next
(of elected officers) elected but not yet serving;
Our next president
Next
Immediately following in time or order;
The following day
Next in line
The next president
The next item on the list
Next
At the time or occasion immediately following;
Next the doctor examined his back
Common Curiosities
Can "beside" be used to describe temporal relationships?
No, "beside" is used for spatial relationships, not temporal ones.
How does "beside" differ from "besides"?
"Beside" is a preposition meaning next to, while "besides" can be a preposition or adverb meaning "in addition to" or "apart from."
What does "next" indicate in terms of placement?
"Next" indicates immediate adjacency or the following position in a sequence.
What are common contexts for using "beside"?
Commonly used to describe physical locations, especially in descriptive settings.
What are common contexts for using "next"?
Common contexts include sequences in time or space, such as in instructions or event order.
Is "beside" ever used metaphorically?
Yes, "beside" can be used metaphorically, as in "beside oneself with grief," meaning overwhelmed or out of normal self-control.
Is "next" only used spatially?
"Next" can be used both spatially and temporally, indicating immediate following in space or time.
Can "next" imply any form of progression in a narrative?
Yes, "next" often implies progression or continuation in narratives and instructions.
What does "next to" imply in directional use?
"Next to" implies very close proximity or adjoining positions.
Can "next" be used as a preposition?
Typically, "next" is used as an adjective or adverb, not a preposition.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
