How to use "moreover"

What Does "moreover" Mean?

• Grammatical function: 'Moreover' is a connective adverb that functions as an additive. It introduces an additional piece of information that supports or reinforces the previous statement. It signals that what follows is equally or even more important than what preceded it.
• Typical sentence position: 'Moreover' is typically used in the initial position of a sentence or clause.
• Register: 'Moreover' is considered a formal connective.

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: 'Moreover' is often followed by a comma and then an independent clause. It is preceded by a full stop (period) or a semicolon.
• Punctuation rules: A comma always follows 'moreover' when it starts a sentence. If it appears mid-clause, it is usually set off by commas on both sides.
• Grammatical flexibility: 'Moreover' can start a sentence. While it can technically be moved within a clause, this is less common and can sound awkward. It cannot be negated directly.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using 'moreover' in very informal contexts or frequently in short, simple sentences can sound stilted. Omitting the comma after 'moreover' at the start of a sentence is incorrect.

Real-World Examples

"Moreover, if the new government stands in the way of women achieving equal citizenship they will not simply return to life under the veil, toiling obediently in their homes." — The Guardian

"The area where I live, moreover, is dramatically mixed, bankers shoving up next to council tenants." — The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Moreover, anything that does not promote competitiveness, selfishness and greed is seen as dysfunctional." — The Guardian - Opinion

"Moreover, the denial of genocide is a criminal offence in a number of countries around the world"." — The Guardian

"Moreover, given the deadlock and the glacial pace of world trade negotiations, the TTIP will create a template for global trade that the big emerging economies, not least China, might feel obliged to follow." — The Guardian - Business

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/moreover

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
furthermore	Very similar in meaning and formality to 'moreover'.
in addition	Slightly less formal than 'moreover'; a more general additive.
besides	More informal and conversational than 'moreover'.
what's more	More emphatic and slightly less formal than 'moreover'.
also	Simple addition; generally less emphatic and formal than 'moreover'.
on top of that	Informal; emphasizes the added information as significant.
indeed	Introduces an even stronger point or confirmation of the previous statement.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect punctuation: Forgetting the comma after 'moreover' when it begins a sentence is a common error.
• Overuse in informal contexts: Using 'moreover' excessively in casual conversation or informal writing can sound unnatural and pretentious.
• Confusion with simpler additives: Learners sometimes confuse 'moreover' with simpler additive conjunctions like 'also' or 'in addition' and overuse it, making their writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
Moreover	Adds information; reinforces a point	Formal	Sentence-initial (followed by a comma)

FAQs

Where can "moreover" appear in a sentence?

Moreover most commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. While it can appear mid-clause, set off by commas, this usage is less frequent and can sometimes sound a bit stilted. The sentence position of moreover impacts the flow and emphasis of the information being presented.

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How does "moreover" differ from "in addition"?

Both moreover and "in addition" introduce extra information. However, moreover is generally considered more formal and often implies a stronger reinforcement or justification of the previous point, whereas "in addition" simply adds more information in a neutral tone. Thus, the choice between the two depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

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How can I avoid overusing "moreover" and sounding too formal?

To avoid overusing moreover, consider whether a simpler connective like "also" or "in addition" would suffice. Vary your sentence structure and use other additive phrases such as "furthermore" or "what's more" to add variety to your writing. Use moreover strategically when you want to emphasize the added information as particularly important or convincing, and avoid it in informal contexts where it may sound unnatural.