Furthermore and moreover are formal conjunctive adverbs needing a semicolon or full stop, as in the plan failed; moreover, it was costly. In addition functions as a sentence adverb or as a preposition with to, while besides means also as an adverb or in addition to/except as a preposition, distinct from beside, meaning next to.
Grammar Rule
Furthermore and moreover are formal conjunctive adverbs that cannot join two independent clauses with a bare comma. In addition functions as a sentence adverb, or as a preposition with to plus a noun or gerund. Besides is trickiest: as an adverb it means also; as a preposition it means in addition to or except. Don’t confuse it with beside, which means next to in a spatial sense.
Addition Connectors with Semantic Nuance: Rules and Examples
| Connector | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Furthermore / Moreover | conjunctive adverb; semicolon/full stop | The plan failed; moreover, it was costly. |
| In addition (to) | plus to plus noun/gerund as preposition | In addition to filing the report, she flagged issues. |
| Besides | adverb meaning also, or preposition meaning in addition to/except | Besides teaching, she publishes research. |
| Beside | preposition, spatial meaning next to — not additive | He sat beside his sister. |
Remember: Punctuate furthermore/moreover/besides with a semicolon or full stop, keep to after in addition before a noun, and never confuse besides with beside.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using addition connectors with the correct nuance. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-43 Addition Connectors with Semantic Nuance
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Frequently Asked Questions
How should furthermore or moreover be punctuated between clauses?
With a semicolon or full stop, as in the plan failed; moreover, it was costly.
What preposition follows in addition before a noun or gerund?
To, as in in addition to filing the report, she flagged issues.
What does besides mean as an adverb versus a preposition?
As an adverb it means also; as a preposition it means in addition to or except, as in besides teaching, she publishes research.
How does besides differ from beside?
Beside is a preposition with a spatial meaning, next to, as in he sat beside his sister, not an additive meaning.