B4. besides / be in the middle of sth / be better off

1. besides 

: Besides is used to emphasize an additional point that you are making, especially one that you consider to be important.

: When "besides" is used to emphasize or add an additional point after a statement, it often means "in addition to what has been said" or "furthermore."

 

ex) Mulan

Shanyu: This doll came from a village in the TUNG SHAO pass... where the Imperial army is waiting for us.

Archer: We can avoid them easily.

Sahnyu: No, the quickest way to the Emperor is through that pass.
              Besides, the little girl will be missing her doll ... we should return it to her.

 

ex) The house was too expensive and too big. Besides, I'd grown fond of our little rented house.

ex) I have a lot of work to do. Besides, I don’t really like parties.

ex) You shouldn't watch that movie; it's not appropriate for your age. Besides, you have school tomorrow and should get to bed early.
(The initial reason is about the content of the movie, while "besides" introduces another reason related to the listener's schedule.)

ex) I love this dress. Besides, it's on sale!
(The speaker first states a preference and then adds an extra point that makes the dress even more appealing.)

ex) He's not interested in the job. Besides, he's too overqualified for it.
(Here, "besides" introduces an additional reason to support the initial statement.)

 

 

cf) nuances, tone and formality.

In the context described, "besides" often shares a similar nuance with "in addition" and "furthermore." They can be used  interchangeably to introduce an additional point or reason, although there might be slight nuances in tone or formality. "Besides" often feels a bit more casual and conversational than "furthermore" or "in addition."

 

 

2. be in the middle of sth
: be busy doing something
: in the process of (doing something)

ex) They were in the middle of dinner when I called. 
ex) Oh, sure. That sounds great! But, you know, I'm in the middle of something right now, Could you wait for me a little bit?

ex) I was in the middle of (eating) dinner [=I was eating dinner] when the phone rang. 
ex) The movie was so bad we walked out right in the middle of it. 

 

 

3. be better off
: If you say that someone would be better off doing something, you are advising them to do it or expressing the opinion  that it would benefit them to do it.
: used to say that sb is / would be happier or more satisfied if they were in a particular position or did a particular thing

ex) She's better off without him.
ex) You'd be better off staying at home with that cold.
ex) He would be better off working for a bigger company.
ex) If you've got bags, you're better off taking a taxi.
ex) If you're interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other books.\

ex) The weather was so bad we’d have been better off staying at home.