I think I need something after "Besides", like in "Besides this fact,....". But I am not so sure.
I also have the same question with "Beside" (without ending 's').
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2J.R. explained the "confusion about the two words beside and besides" once for me. I believe that it'd be useful for you too: ell.stackexchange.com/a/13618/3281.– Damkerng T.Feb 13, 2014 at 9:18
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1 Answer
The true sticklers for grammar will say no, because "besides" is a conjunction (or I guess more specifically a conjunctive adverb), and many believe that the rule is that sentences shouldn't begin with conjunctions.
However, colloquially, beginning a sentence with "besides" makes perfect sense: "He didn't go to the store because he was tired. Besides, it was raining." I would usually say "And besides, it was raining", but I think that is just a personal preference.
You can also begin a sentence with "beside", but it has a different meaning. "Beside" is a preposition of direction: "Beside the store was a toxic waste dump."
You can always say "beside that", which is basically a synonym for "besides". Joining the relative pronoun "that" with the preposition of direction "beside" makes a phrase that pretty much functions like the conjunctive adverb "besides": "He didn't go to the store because it was raining. And beside that, there was a toxic waste dump next door."
TL;DR: Yes to your first question, and yes to your second question (though the meaning is different).
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1Are there any serious style guides that actually defend the "rule" that sentences shouldn't begin with conjunctions?– nohatApr 16, 2014 at 7:49
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