furthermore

furthermore — adverb

1. used at the start of a sentence or clause to introduce a new fact or reason that

1.adverbB2
Definition

used at the start of a sentence or clause to introduce a new fact or reason that makes a previous statement stronger or gives it more weight

Example

Renting the flat saves time on travel. Furthermore, the rent is lower than Ravi's apartment.

adds a second advantage to support a decision

Dr. Okafor has twenty years in medicine. Furthermore, her work has appeared in journals worldwide.

introduces reinforcing evidence about qualifications

Synonyms
  • moreover

    equally formal but slightly more emphatic; often used for an equally or more important point

  • additionally

    can appear mid-sentence as well as at the start; slightly less formal

  • besides

    less formal; often introduces a final or dismissive point in conversation

Grammar Patterns

furthermore + [clause]

Usage Note

Always placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence, followed by a comma. More formal than 'also' or 'besides'. Common in academic essays, business reports, and formal arguments.

Common Mistakes

I like the design. Furthermore, the price.
I like the design. Furthermore, the price is reasonable.
'furthermore' must introduce a full clause with a verb, not a noun phrase.
We missed the bus. Furthermore, it started to rain.
We missed the bus. Furthermore, it started to rain while we were waiting.
'furthermore' adds a connected supporting point, not just another event; use 'in addition' or 'also' for neutral sequence.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Furthermore, moreover, and additionally all introduce supporting points, but they differ in formality and position. Furthermore is among the most formal and typically begins a new sentence. Moreover also starts a new sentence but feels more emphatic — it adds a point of equal or greater weight, whereas furthermore often continues building the same line of reasoning. Additionally is more flexible: it can appear at the beginning or within a sentence ('The plan is costly and, additionally, difficult to implement'). In addition is neutral and common across both writing and speech. Besides is the least formal and often introduces a final, sometimes dismissive point ('I do not like the location; besides, it is too expensive'). In formal writing, furthermore and moreover are preferred; in everyday speech, besides is more natural.

moreover ↗additionally ↗in additionbesides ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • not only...but also
  • in addition to

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

From further (Old English furþra, a comparative of forþ 'forward, onward') + more (Old English māra 'greater, additional'). Originally written as two separate words (further more) in Middle English, the single-word compound furthermore became standard by the 16th century. The core idea is 'to a greater degree beyond what has already been said.'