How to Say 'Furthermore' and 'In Addition' in French: Master Addition Connectors
Learn French addition connectors like 'de plus', 'en outre', and 'par ailleurs' to link ideas smoothly at intermediate level.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you want to add information in French, you can't just string sentences together with 'et'. French has a range of connectors that signal addition, each with its own register and nuance. This lesson focuses on the most common ones: 'de plus', 'en outre', 'par ailleurs', 'qui plus est', and 'de surcroît'. You'll learn when to use each, how to avoid overusing 'aussi', and how to sound natural in both spoken and written French. We'll also touch on regional preferences, such as 'en plus' in informal speech. By the end, you'll be able to build cohesive arguments and descriptions by adding points effectively.
By the end, you can…
- use 'de plus', 'en outre', 'par ailleurs', 'qui plus est', and 'de surcroît' to add information in French.
- choose the appropriate addition connector based on formality and context.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
De plus, il parle espagnol.
Furthermore, he speaks Spanish.
duh ploo, eel parl es-pa-nyol
Neutral, common in both speech and writing; can start a sentence or follow a comma.
En outre, nous devons considérer les coûts.
Moreover, we must consider the costs.
ahn oo-truh, noo duh-vohn kohn-see-day-ay lay koo
Formal, typical of written reports or speeches; less common in casual conversation.
Par ailleurs, le musée est fermé le lundi.
In addition, the museum is closed on Mondays.
par a-yur, luh mew-zay ay fair-may luh lun-dee
Used to add a separate point, often after a digression; neutral to formal.
Qui plus est, elle est bilingue.
What's more, she is bilingual.
kee ploo zay, el ay bee-lang
Emphatic, slightly formal; stresses the added information.
De surcroît, il a de l'expérience.
In addition, he has experience.
duh sewr-krwa, eel a duh lek-spay-ryahns
Very formal, often literary or administrative; use sparingly.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Addition connectors typically appear at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma. They can also be placed after the subject for emphasis, but this is less common. For example: 'Il est intelligent. De plus, il est travailleur.' (He is intelligent. Furthermore, he is hardworking.) Another pattern is to use 'non seulement... mais aussi' (not only... but also) for correlative addition: 'Non seulement il est intelligent, mais il est aussi travailleur.' Note that 'aussi' alone can mean 'also', but it is not a connector; it usually goes after the verb or at the end: 'Il parle aussi espagnol.'
When to use it
Choose your connector based on register. In everyday conversation, 'de plus' and 'en plus' are common. 'En plus' is informal and often used in speech: 'En plus, il fait beau.' In written French, 'de plus', 'par ailleurs', and 'en outre' are standard. 'Qui plus est' adds emphasis and is slightly formal. 'De surcroît' is very formal and best reserved for academic or administrative writing. Avoid overusing 'aussi' as a sentence starter; it sounds awkward. Instead, use 'de plus' or 'par ailleurs' to link ideas smoothly.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
J'ai visité le Louvre hier. De plus, j'ai vu la Tour Eiffel.
I visited the Louvre yesterday. Furthermore, I saw the Eiffel Tower.zhay vee-zee-tay luh loovr yehr. duh ploo, zhay vew la toor ay-felSuper ! Par ailleurs, as-tu visité le musée d'Orsay ?
Great! In addition, did you visit the Orsay Museum?sew-pair! par a-yur, ah-tew vee-zee-tay luh mew-zay dor-say?Non, mais j'ai vu Montmartre. Qui plus est, j'ai goûté des macarons.
No, but I saw Montmartre. What's more, I tasted macarons.nohn, may zhay vew mohn-martr. kee ploo zay, zhay goo-tay day ma-ka-rohnEn outre, tu as eu beaucoup de chance avec le temps.
Moreover, you were very lucky with the weather.ahn oo-truh, tew ah ew bo-koo duh shahns ah-vek luh tahnA little context goes a long way
In French, the choice of addition connector often reflects the formality of the situation. In casual conversation, 'en plus' is very common, while 'de surcroît' would sound out of place. In writing, especially academic or professional, 'en outre' and 'par ailleurs' are preferred. Regional differences are minor, but in Quebec, 'en plus' is also used informally, and 'de plus' is standard. Avoid using 'aussi' at the beginning of a sentence; it's a common anglicism.
One thing to watch for
Using 'aussi' as a sentence starter to mean 'also', e.g., 'Aussi, je parle français.'
Try this instead: In French, 'aussi' at the start of a sentence can mean 'therefore' or 'so', not 'also'. To add information, use 'de plus' or 'en plus'. For example: 'De plus, je parle français.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Translate: 'Furthermore, she is very kind.'
Show a sample answer
De plus, elle est très gentille.
'De plus' is a neutral addition connector suitable for most contexts. 'En outre' would also be correct but more formal.
2Which connector is most appropriate in a formal essay? 'En outre' or 'En plus'?
Show a sample answer
En outre
'En outre' is formal and typical of written essays. 'En plus' is informal and used in speech.
3Fill in the blank: 'Il est intelligent. ____, il est travailleur.' (Use a formal connector.)
Show a sample answer
De surcroît
'De surcroît' is very formal and fits the context. 'De plus' or 'Qui plus est' would also work, but 'de surcroît' is more formal.
Use 'de plus' and 'en plus' for everyday addition, 'en outre' and 'par ailleurs' for formal writing, and 'qui plus est' or 'de surcroît' for emphasis or very formal contexts. Avoid starting sentences with 'aussi' to mean 'also'.
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