English Grammar

Besides, except and apart from

Besides means ‘as well’, ‘in addition to’.

• Besides the violin, he plays the piano and the flute.

Except, means ‘not including’.

• They were all tired except John.
• That was a good essay except for a few spelling mistakes.

Apart from can be used in both senses.

• Apart from the violin, he plays the piano and the flute. (= Besides the violin, …)
• That was a good essay apart from a few spelling mistakes.

After no, nobody, nothing and similar negative words, the three words can all have the same meaning.

• He has nothing besides/except/apart from his salary

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