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The most common other words for additionally are also, in addition, furthermore, moreover and besides. In speech and relaxed writing, people say plus, what’s more or on top of that. Choose by formality: furthermore and moreover suit essays and reports, also and in addition work almost anywhere, and plus belongs in conversation and casual messages.
They are not perfectly interchangeable. Moreover tends to add a stronger point, besides adds another reason, and on top of that often piles up bad news. The sections below show where each one fits, how to punctuate it, and how to stop an essay from starting every paragraph with “Additionally”.
Quick picker
| Word or phrase | Tone | Usual position | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| also | any | before the main verb, or at the start | The hotel also has a pool. |
| in addition | neutral | start of a sentence | In addition, the price includes breakfast. |
| furthermore | formal | start of a sentence | Furthermore, the study used a small sample. |
| moreover | formal | start of a sentence | Moreover, the plan saves money. |
| besides | neutral to casual | start of a sentence | I’m too tired to go out. Besides, it’s raining. |
| what’s more | neutral, spoken | start of a sentence | It’s cheap. What’s more, it works. |
| on top of that | informal | start of a sentence | I missed the bus. On top of that, I lost my keys. |
| plus | informal | start of a sentence or clause | It’s close to work, plus the rent is low. |
| as well / too | any | end of the clause | She speaks French as well. |
| further | formal | start of a sentence | Further, the tenant must give notice in writing. |
Formal alternatives: essays, reports and proposals
- In addition – the plainest formal choice and the closest match to additionally. “In addition, all staff will receive training.”
- Furthermore – adds a further point in the same line of argument. It suits a case being built step by step: “The design is cheaper to produce. Furthermore, it uses less energy.”
- Moreover – adds a point that is often more important than the last one, sometimes the clinching one: “The proposal is affordable. Moreover, it is the only option that meets the deadline.” In everyday use the difference from furthermore is small, and many writers use them interchangeably.
- Further – common in legal and official writing, where it introduces another condition or point. In ordinary prose furthermore is more natural.
- Likewise / similarly – add a point that is parallel to the last one, not just another one: “Prices rose in Spain. Similarly, Italy saw a sharp increase.” Use them only when the two points really match.
- Not only … but also – joins two points in one sentence and gives weight to the second: “The scheme not only cut costs but also raised morale.”
Everyday and conversational alternatives
- Also – the default. In the middle of a sentence it sounds natural in any register: “We also need chairs.” At the start of a sentence (“Also, bring a jacket”) it is common in emails and speech; some editors prefer to move it inside the sentence in formal writing.
- Plus – very common in speech and casual writing: “The flat is bright, plus it has a garden.” Avoid it in academic essays.
- What’s more – stresses that the next point strengthens your case: “The course is free. What’s more, you get a certificate.”
- On top of that – adds something extra, often when things keep going wrong: “The train was late. On top of that, there were no seats.”
- Besides – adds another reason, usually to support a decision or to dismiss an objection: “I don’t want the job. Besides, it’s too far away.” Don’t confuse it with beside (next to).
- And another thing – spoken, often in an argument or complaint.
- As well / too – at the end of the clause: “Can you bring the drinks as well?” “I’d like a coffee too.”
When you are adding a noun, not a sentence
Additionally and furthermore link whole sentences. To add a thing or an activity inside one sentence, use a preposition:
- In addition to + noun or -ing: “In addition to the fee, there is a deposit.” “In addition to teaching, she writes textbooks.” (Not “in addition to teach”.)
- As well as: “The kit includes a charger as well as a case.”
- Besides (preposition): “Besides English, he speaks Arabic.”
- Along with / together with: “The report, along with the appendix, is due Friday.”
- Apart from / aside from – careful: these can mean “in addition to” or “except”, depending on context. “Apart from French, she speaks German” (in addition). “Apart from the ending, I loved it” (except). If the reader could take it either way, choose in addition to or except for.
How to punctuate them
At the start of a sentence, these words are usually followed by a comma: “Moreover, the costs are lower.” To join two complete sentences with one of them, use a semicolon before it, not a comma:
- Correct: “The room was small; furthermore, it was noisy.”
- Correct: “The room was small. Furthermore, it was noisy.”
- Wrong: “The room was small, furthermore it was noisy.” (a comma splice)
Plus is different: in casual writing it often joins clauses after a comma, like and: “It’s cheap, plus it’s close.” The same punctuation rules apply to contrast words; see another word for however.
Stop starting every paragraph with “Additionally”
Swapping one transition for another does not fix a list-like essay. A few better habits:
- Say why the next point matters. Instead of “Additionally, the policy is cheap”, try “Cost is the second argument in its favour.”
- Merge small points. “The app is fast and, unusually for its price, has no ads.”
- Use the transition that shows the real relation. If the new point is a result, use therefore or as a result; if it is a reason, use a reason word; if it contrasts, use however. “Additionally” only says “and another thing”.
- Save “moreover” for your strongest point. Readers notice when it comes before a minor detail.
- Don’t stack them. “Furthermore, in addition, the plan also…” says the same thing three times.
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Additionally to the fee, there is a deposit. | In addition to the fee, there is a deposit. | “Additionally” is an adverb; before a noun use “in addition to”. |
| In addition to work full-time, she studies. | In addition to working full-time, she studies. | “To” here is a preposition, so the verb takes -ing. |
| Besides of English, he speaks Arabic. | Besides English, he speaks Arabic. | “Besides” takes no “of”. |
| Beside, it’s too late now. | Besides, it’s too late now. | “Beside” means next to. |
| It’s cheap, moreover it’s fast. | It’s cheap; moreover, it’s fast. | A comma cannot join two sentences. |
| Furthermore, the hotel also has a gym. | Furthermore, the hotel has a gym. | “Furthermore” already adds; “also” repeats it. |
Practice
Choose the best replacement for “additionally” in each situation.
- A text to a friend: “The café is near the station. Additionally, it’s open late.”
- A legal notice: “Additionally, the tenant must keep the garden tidy.”
- An essay, adding your strongest argument: “Additionally, it is the only solution that works within the budget.”
- Complaining about a bad day: “My laptop crashed. Additionally, the coffee machine broke.”
- Adding an activity: “Additionally to running the shop, he coaches football.”
Possible answers: 1. Plus / Also. 2. Further / In addition. 3. Moreover. 4. On top of that. 5. In addition to running the shop (or: As well as running the shop).
Quick answers
Is “additionally” formal? It is neutral to formal. It is correct in essays and emails, but it can sound stiff in conversation, where “also” or “plus” is more natural.
What is the difference between furthermore and moreover? Both add a point in formal writing. “Moreover” often introduces a weightier point; “furthermore” simply continues the argument. Many writers treat them as equal.
Can I start a sentence with “also”? Yes. It is common and grammatical, especially in emails. In formal essays, “In addition” or a mid-sentence “also” is usually smoother.
Is “plus” acceptable in essays? Most teachers and editors treat sentence-linking “plus” as informal. Use “in addition” or “moreover” instead.
What is a fancy word for additionally? “Moreover” and “furthermore” are the formal choices; “in addition” is the safest.
If what you are adding is a point that carries weight, see also another word for important.