What is the difference between "beside" and "next to"?
Hello

I want to know the difference between "beside" and "next to."
Can we use both words in the same place and indicate the same meaning in a sentence?

Thanks in Advance

Question

What is the difference between "beside" and "next to"?
Hello

I want to know the difference between "beside" and "next to." 
Can we use both words in the same place and indicate the same meaning in a sentence?

Thanks in Advance

Answer

Beside is a preposition meaning "next to". Beside is usually used when we are talking about people and things. "Next to" is used mostly to define proximity.

I am sitting next to my brother. (sense: near)
I am sitting beside my brother.

There is a shop next to my house (means "near my house")
There is a shop beside my house (next in the row)