Beside the point or besides the point? The correct expression is “beside the point.” It means something is irrelevant, unimportant, or unrelated to the main topic of a conversation. Although both beside and besides are real English words, they have different meanings and grammatical uses.
Many people confuse these expressions because they look and sound similar. However, adding an extra “s” changes the meaning. When you want to describe something that does not matter to the main discussion, “beside the point” is the standard and grammatically correct choice.
For example, imagine discussing someone’s work performance when another person starts talking about their clothing. You could say, “Their clothing is beside the point.” This means their appearance is not relevant to the discussion.
Understanding this difference can improve your everyday English, academic writing, and professional communication.
In this guide, you’ll learn the correct spelling, meaning, grammar rules, pronunciation, sentence examples, common mistakes, synonyms, and practical ways to remember the difference between beside the point or besides the point.
Beside the Point or Besides the Point: Quick Answer
The correct English idiom is “beside the point,” not “besides the point.”
The expression describes information that does not directly relate to the main issue.
Correct: That’s beside the point.
Incorrect as an idiom: That’s besides the point.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Expression | Standard Usage | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beside the point | Correct idiom | Irrelevant to the main issue | His age is beside the point. |
| Besides the point | Nonstandard as an idiom | Commonly used by mistake | His age is besides the point. |
| Beside | Correct preposition | Next to or at the side of | She sat beside me. |
| Besides | Correct preposition or adverb | In addition to or apart from | Besides English, she speaks Spanish. |
Simple rule: If you mean something is irrelevant, always use “beside the point.”
Why Is Beside the Point Correct?
The expression uses the word beside, which generally means “next to” or “at the side of.”
In this idiom, the meaning is figurative.
The word point represents the main issue, argument, or subject. Something that is “beside” the point does not directly address that central issue.
For example:
“The restaurant’s decorations are beside the point because we’re discussing food quality.”
Here, the decorations may be attractive, but they do not address the complaint about the food.
Why Is Besides the Point Usually Incorrect?
The word besides generally means “in addition to” or “apart from.”
For example:
“Besides English, he speaks French.”
This sentence is correct because besides introduces additional information.
However, the established idiom uses beside without the final “s.”
Therefore:
Correct: Your argument is beside the point.
Incorrect: Your argument is besides the point.
Although some people use “besides the point” in informal speech, it is not the standard form of the idiom.
What Does Beside the Point Mean?
Beside the point means irrelevant, unrelated, or not important to the main issue being discussed.
People use this expression when someone introduces information that does not directly answer a question or support the main argument.
It is common in everyday conversations, debates, workplace discussions, and written communication.
Beside the Point Definition
The expression describes a fact, comment, or argument that does not directly concern the central issue.
For example:
“His expensive car is beside the point when discussing his qualifications.”
The sentence means that owning an expensive car does not necessarily tell us whether the person is qualified.
A statement can be completely true and still be beside the point.
This is an important distinction because irrelevant information is not automatically false.
Beside the Point Meaning in Simple English
In simple English, the phrase means:
- Not related to the topic
- Not important to the current discussion
- Not relevant to the main argument
- Not addressing the real issue
- Unnecessary for the decision
Consider this conversation:
Person A: “The company failed to deliver our order on time.”
Person B: “But the company’s website looks professional.”
Person A: “That’s beside the point.”
Person A means that the website’s appearance does not explain or solve the delivery problem.
Is Beside the Point an Idiom?
Yes, “beside the point” is an English idiom.
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from their literal meaning.
For example:
- Break the ice
- Hit the nail on the head
- Under the weather
- Beside the point
The expression does not mean that something is physically located next to a point.
Instead, it describes information that fails to address the main issue.
Beside or Besides: What Is the Difference?
Understanding the difference between beside or besides is the easiest way to avoid this common grammar mistake.
Although these words have similar spellings, they serve different grammatical functions.
Meaning of Beside
Beside is a preposition that usually means “next to,” “near,” or “at the side of.”
It commonly describes physical location.
Examples:
- The teacher stood beside the whiteboard.
- My brother sat beside me.
- The car is parked beside the house.
- She placed her bag beside the chair.
- A small river flows beside the village.
In these sentences, beside describes the position of one thing relative to another.
However, it can also appear in figurative expressions.
For example:
“He was beside himself with excitement.”
This means he was extremely excited.
Similarly, “beside the point” describes something that does not directly address the main issue.
Meaning of Besides
Besides can function as a preposition or an adverb.
As a preposition, it often means “in addition to” or “apart from.”
Examples:
- Besides mathematics, she studies physics.
- Besides his regular job, he runs a business.
- Nobody besides Ali knew the answer.
- Besides coffee, I enjoy green tea.
As an adverb, it introduces another reason or additional information.
Examples:
- I don’t want to travel today. Besides, it’s raining.
- The restaurant is expensive. Besides, it’s far away.
- We should leave now. Besides, everyone is waiting.
These examples demonstrate that besides is useful when adding information.
Beside or Besides Grammar Comparison
| Grammar Feature | Beside | Besides |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Preposition | Preposition or adverb |
| Common meaning | Next to | In addition to |
| Describes physical position | Yes | Not normally |
| Introduces additional information | Not usually | Yes |
| Used in the idiom meaning irrelevant | Yes | No |
| Example | Sit beside the window. | Besides reading, I enjoy writing. |
Memory tip: Beside usually refers to position, while besides often introduces something additional.
How to Use Beside the Point in a Sentence
The expression “beside the point” is commonly used when discussing arguments, decisions, opinions, or unrelated information.
It helps speakers identify what matters most.
Beside the Point Examples in Everyday English
Here are 15 natural sentence examples:
- Your personal opinion is beside the point.
- His expensive watch is beside the point.
- The color of the car is beside the point.
- Her previous job is beside the point in this discussion.
- The weather is beside the point when discussing the examination results.
- Your friendship with him is beside the point.
- His favorite sport is beside the point.
- The building’s appearance is beside the point.
- Their personal disagreement is beside the point.
- His age is beside the point when evaluating his experience.
- The restaurant’s location is beside the point if its food is unsafe.
- Your comments about his hairstyle are beside the point.
- The price of the furniture is beside the point.
- Her popularity is beside the point when discussing her qualifications.
- The company’s history is beside the point when evaluating this specific complaint.
Each example shows how the expression identifies information that is not directly relevant.
Beside the Point Examples in Conversations
Conversation 1: At School
Student A: “The assignment was submitted late.”
Student B: “But I spent several hours working on it.”
Student A: “Your effort is beside the point. The question is why it was submitted after the deadline.”
Conversation 2: At Work
Manager: “The project exceeded its budget.”
Employee: “But our team worked very hard.”
Manager: “Your hard work is appreciated, but it’s beside the point when explaining the additional expenses.”
Conversation 3: At Home
Mother: “Why didn’t you clean your room?”
Child: “My friend didn’t clean his room either.”
Mother: “That’s beside the point. I’m asking about your responsibility.”
These conversations show how the expression redirects attention to the original issue.
Beside the Point Examples in Formal Writing
The phrase also appears in professional and academic contexts.
Examples include:
“The applicant’s personal interests are beside the point when assessing the required technical qualifications.”
“The historical popularity of the product is beside the point when evaluating its current safety.”
“The employee’s personal relationships are beside the point when reviewing documented performance.”
“The company’s previous achievements are beside the point when investigating the present financial problem.”
Although these sentences are grammatically correct, formal writing sometimes benefits from more neutral alternatives.
For example:
“That information is not directly relevant to the current investigation.”
This version may sound more diplomatic.
When Should You Use Beside the Point?
Use “beside the point” when information does not directly address the main question, concern, or argument.
When Someone Changes the Subject
The expression is useful when a discussion moves away from its original topic.
Example:
“Your vacation plans are beside the point. We need to discuss tomorrow’s examination.”
Here, the speaker wants to return to the main subject.
When Someone Gives an Irrelevant Excuse
People sometimes introduce facts that do not explain their actions.
Example:
“Your friend’s behavior is beside the point. We’re discussing your decision.”
The expression emphasizes personal responsibility.
When Discussing Evidence
The phrase can identify information that does not support a particular conclusion.
Example:
“His popularity is beside the point when determining whether his statement is accurate.”
This example distinguishes popularity from factual accuracy.
When Making Important Decisions
The expression can help separate relevant factors from unrelated details.
Example:
“The laptop’s attractive design is beside the point if it cannot run the software we need.”
The speaker emphasizes practical requirements over appearance.
When Correcting a Misunderstanding
The phrase can redirect someone who is focusing on the wrong issue.
Example:
“The question of who suggested the meeting is beside the point. We need to decide what happens next.”
In this situation, the expression helps maintain focus.
Is Besides the Point Ever Grammatically Correct?
Although “besides the point” is not the standard idiom for irrelevance, the words can appear together in a grammatically correct sentence.
The meaning depends on how besides functions.
Correct Use of Besides the Point
Consider this sentence:
“Besides the point you mentioned earlier, there are several other issues we should discuss.”
Here, besides means “in addition to.”
The sentence is correct because it is not using the idiom meaning irrelevant.
Another example:
“Besides the point about transportation, we should consider accommodation costs.”
This means that transportation is one issue, but accommodation costs are another.
Incorrect Use of Besides the Point
Consider this sentence:
“His personal wealth is besides the point.”
The intended meaning is that his wealth is irrelevant.
However, the established idiom requires beside.
Corrected sentence:
“His personal wealth is beside the point.”
How Context Changes the Meaning
Compare these sentences:
| Sentence | Correct? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| That’s beside the point. | Yes | Established idiom |
| That’s besides the point. | No | Nonstandard form of the idiom |
| Besides the point about cost, we should discuss quality. | Yes | Besides means in addition to |
| Her appearance is beside the point. | Yes | Appearance is irrelevant |
| Her appearance is besides the point. | No | Incorrect idiomatic usage |
The important lesson is that the words themselves are not always wrong together.
Their grammatical function determines whether the sentence is correct.
Common Mistakes With Beside the Point
Many English learners make mistakes because beside or besides have similar spellings.
Here are the most common errors.
Mistake 1: Adding an Extra S
Incorrect: That’s besides the point.
Correct: That’s beside the point.
The established idiom uses beside.
Mistake 2: Confusing Addition With Irrelevance
Incorrect: Besides the point, his opinion doesn’t matter.
Better: His opinion is beside the point.
The corrected sentence clearly expresses irrelevance.
Mistake 3: Using Beside for Additional Information
Incorrect: Beside English, he speaks German.
Correct: Besides English, he speaks German.
Here, besides means “in addition to.”
Mistake 4: Using Besides for Physical Position
Incorrect: She stood besides her sister.
Correct: She stood beside her sister.
The sentence describes physical location, so beside is appropriate.
Mistake 5: Assuming Irrelevant Means False
A statement can be true without being relevant.
For example:
“The restaurant has beautiful furniture.”
This may be true.
However, if the discussion concerns food poisoning, the furniture may be beside the point.
Important: Calling something beside the point does not mean it is necessarily false.
It means the information does not directly address the issue being discussed.
Beside the Point Synonyms and Similar Expressions
Several English expressions communicate a meaning similar to “beside the point.”
These alternatives can improve vocabulary and help avoid repetition.
| Synonym | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Irrelevant | Not related to the issue | That detail is irrelevant. |
| Unrelated | Not connected to the topic | His comment was unrelated. |
| Immaterial | Not important to the decision | The difference is immaterial. |
| Not pertinent | Not directly relevant | The information is not pertinent. |
| Off-topic | Outside the subject | Your question is off-topic. |
| Not the issue | Not the main concern | His age is not the issue. |
| Neither here nor there | Not important to the discussion | His opinion is neither here nor there. |
| Missing the point | Failing to understand the main issue | You’re missing the point. |
Best Synonyms for Everyday English
In casual conversations, you can say:
- That’s irrelevant.
- That’s not the point.
- That doesn’t matter here.
- That’s unrelated.
- You’re changing the subject.
For example:
Original: “His expensive phone is beside the point.”
Alternative: “His expensive phone is irrelevant.”
Both sentences express a similar idea.
Best Synonyms for Academic Writing
In academic writing, more precise expressions may be preferable.
Examples include:
- Not relevant to the argument
- Outside the scope of the discussion
- Not directly applicable
- Not pertinent to the research question
- Immaterial to the conclusion
For example:
“The participant’s personal preferences are not relevant to the research question.”
This wording is clear and professional.
Beside the Point Antonyms
Antonyms describe the opposite meaning of an expression.
Since “beside the point” means irrelevant, its opposites describe information that matters to the discussion.
Common antonyms include:
- Relevant
- Pertinent
- Important
- Significant
- Applicable
- Material
- On point
- Directly related
Examples of Opposite Meanings
Beside the point:
“His favorite television show is beside the point.”
Relevant:
“His previous work experience is relevant to the job application.”
Beside the point:
“The office decorations are beside the point.”
On point:
“Your concerns about the project’s budget are on point.”
Understanding these opposites helps you communicate the importance of information more accurately.
Beside the Point or Missing the Point: What’s the Difference?
These expressions sound similar in meaning, but they describe different situations.
Meaning of Beside the Point
“Beside the point” describes information that is irrelevant to the main issue.
Example:
“The color of the laptop is beside the point when discussing its processing speed.”
The laptop’s color does not address the technical question.
Meaning of Missing the Point
“Missing the point” means failing to understand the main idea or purpose.
Example:
“You’re missing the point of my explanation.”
This means the listener has misunderstood the central message.
Quick Comparison
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Beside the point | Irrelevant information | Your comment is beside the point. |
| Missing the point | Failing to understand | You’re missing the point. |
A person can introduce irrelevant information without completely misunderstanding the discussion.
Therefore, the expressions should not always be treated as interchangeable.
Beside the Point or Off the Point: Which Is Better?
“Beside the point” is the more established idiomatic expression in standard English.
“Off the point” is less common and may sound unnatural in many situations.
For example:
Natural: “Your argument is beside the point.”
Natural: “Your argument is off-topic.”
Less natural: “Your argument is off the point.”
If you want to describe irrelevant information, “beside the point” is generally the safest choice.
Beside the Point or Not the Point
Both expressions are correct, but their sentence structures differ.
Beside the point:
“His salary is beside the point.”
Not the point:
“His salary is not the point.”
Both suggest that the salary is not the central issue.
However, “not the point” may emphasize that the speaker’s main message has been misunderstood.
Origin of the Idiom Beside the Point
The expression “beside the point” comes from the figurative meaning of beside.
The word originally describes something located next to another object.
Over time, this physical idea developed into a metaphor for relevance.
Why Does the Idiom Use the Word Point?
In discussions, the word point often means the central argument, purpose, or idea.
For example:
“What is your point?”
This question asks someone to explain their main message.
When information falls “beside the point,” it does not directly address that message.
Figurative Meaning of Beside
Imagine someone aiming at a target.
If the person misses the center, the shot may land beside the intended point.
Similarly, an argument may be related to a general topic without addressing the central question.
This comparison helps explain the idiom’s meaning.
The expression has a long history in English, although establishing its exact earliest recorded use requires historical dictionary research.
How to Pronounce Beside the Point or Besides the Point
The words beside and besides sound similar, which contributes to confusion.
Pronunciation of Beside
Beside: /bɪˈsaɪd/
It sounds approximately like:
bih-SIDE
The stress falls on the second syllable.
Pronunciation of Besides
Besides: /bɪˈsaɪdz/
It sounds approximately like:
bih-SIDEZ
The final “s” produces a /z/ sound.
Pronunciation of Beside the Point
Beside the point: /bɪˈsaɪd ðə pɔɪnt/
The phrase sounds approximately like:
bih-SIDE thuh POINT
The difference between beside and besides is the additional /z/ sound.
When using the idiom, pronounce beside without that final sound.
How to Remember Beside the Point or Besides the Point
You can remember the correct expression with a few simple grammar tricks.
Trick 1: Beside Means Next To
Think of something standing beside a target rather than directly on it.
Similarly, information that is beside the point does not directly address the main issue.
Beside = Next to
Beside the point = Not directly relevant
Trick 2: Besides Adds Information
Remember that besides often introduces something additional.
For example:
“Besides science, I enjoy history.”
The sentence adds another subject.
Besides = In addition to
Trick 3: Remember One Correct Sentence
Memorize this sentence:
“That’s beside the point.”
It is short, natural, and commonly used.
If you remember this example, you are less likely to add an unnecessary “s.”
Beside the Point or Besides the Point: Practice Exercises
Test your understanding by choosing the correct word.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. Your personal feelings are _____ the point.
2. She placed her books _____ the computer.
3. _____ English, he speaks Arabic.
4. His expensive clothes are _____ the point.
5. _____ working full-time, she studies at university.
6. The restaurant’s decorations are _____ the point.
7. My brother sat _____ me during the meeting.
8. _____ the issue of cost, we should discuss safety.
Exercise 2: Answers With Explanations
| Question | Correct Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beside | Established idiom |
| 2 | Beside | Physical position |
| 3 | Besides | Additional information |
| 4 | Beside | Established idiom |
| 5 | Besides | In addition to |
| 6 | Beside | Irrelevant information |
| 7 | Beside | Next to someone |
| 8 | Besides | In addition to another issue |
These exercises demonstrate the main difference between the two words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Beside the Point or Besides the Point?
The correct idiom is “beside the point.” It means irrelevant or unrelated to the main discussion. “Besides the point” is not the standard form when expressing this meaning.
What Does That’s Beside the Point Mean?
“That’s beside the point” means that a statement or detail does not address the main issue.
For example:
“His expensive clothes are beside the point.”
This means his clothing is irrelevant to the discussion.
Is Besides the Point Grammatically Incorrect?
“Besides the point” is incorrect when used as the idiom meaning irrelevant. However, it can be correct when besides means “in addition to,” as in “Besides the point about cost, we should discuss safety.”
What Is the Difference Between Beside or Besides?
Beside usually means “next to,” while besides commonly means “in addition to” or “apart from.”
For example:
“She sat beside me.”
“Besides English, she speaks French.”
Is Beside the Point Formal or Informal?
“Beside the point” is acceptable in both formal and informal English. However, it can sound dismissive in some situations. In professional writing, “not directly relevant” may be a more polite alternative.
What Is Another Word for Beside the Point?
Common alternatives include irrelevant, unrelated, immaterial, off-topic, and not pertinent.
The best choice depends on the context.
Is Beside the Point an Idiom or a Phrase?
“Beside the point” is an idiom because it has a figurative meaning. It does not refer to physical location but describes information that is irrelevant to the central issue.
Can I Say Completely Beside the Point?
Yes. “Completely beside the point” is grammatically correct.
For example:
“His comments about the weather were completely beside the point.”
The word completely emphasizes the lack of relevance.
What Does Beside the Point Mean in an Argument?
In an argument, the expression means that a particular statement does not address the central disagreement.
For example:
“The product looks attractive, but that’s beside the point. It doesn’t work properly.”
The speaker is emphasizing functionality rather than appearance.
What Is the Opposite of Beside the Point?
The opposite expressions include “relevant,” “pertinent,” “important,” and “on point.”
These words describe information that directly relates to the discussion.
Is It Correct to Say That’s Besides the Point?
No. In standard English, the established expression is “that’s beside the point.”
The final “s” should be removed.
Does Beside the Point Mean Unimportant?
Yes, but only in relation to a particular issue.
Something may be important in general while still being beside the point in a specific discussion.
For example, a person’s education may be important when applying for a job but irrelevant when discussing their favorite food.
Can Beside the Point Be Used in Academic Writing?
Yes. The expression is grammatically correct and can appear in academic writing.
However, more formal alternatives such as “irrelevant to the argument” or “not pertinent to the research question” may provide greater precision.
What Is the Easiest Way to Remember the Correct Expression?
Remember the sentence:
“That’s beside the point.”
Also remember that beside means “next to,” while besides often means “in addition to.”
Conclusion
When choosing between beside the point or besides the point, the correct English idiom is “beside the point.”
The expression means that something is irrelevant, unrelated, or unimportant to the main issue being discussed.
The confusion comes from the similar spelling of beside and besides. However, their meanings are different.
Beside generally means “next to,” while besides commonly means “in addition to” or “apart from.”
Although the words “besides the point” can appear together in sentences with a different grammatical structure, they should not replace the established idiom.
Remember this simple rule: If something does not directly address the main issue, it is beside the point.
Understanding this difference will help you avoid common grammar mistakes and communicate more clearly in everyday conversations, academic writing, and professional situations.
I am Eleanor Whitmore, an education writer who enjoys making learning simple, practical, and interesting. I write about study skills, educational ideas, personal growth, and useful knowledge that readers can apply in everyday life. Through Teachlora, I aim to share clear and helpful content that makes learning feel easier and more enjoyable. My books, The Everyday Learning Guide and Small Steps to Smarter Learning, reflect my passion for helping readers build better learning habits.
Books:
- The Everyday Learning Guide
- Small Steps to Smarter Learning
Oliver Harrington
Nathaniel Brooks