Addition means adding more information to what has already been said. English has several words and phrases for this, ranging from the everyday and to the formal moreover. Choosing the right one depends on where it sits in the sentence and how formal the context is.
Everyday words: and, also, too, as well
These four are the most common addition words in spoken and written English. They all mean roughly the same thing but go in different positions.
And
And joins two words, phrases, or clauses directly.
Also
Also goes in mid-position: after be, after the first auxiliary verb, or before the main verb.
When also appears at the start of a sentence, it sounds more formal. In everyday English, mid-position is the natural choice.
Too
Too goes at the end of the sentence or clause.
As well
As well works exactly like too — it goes at the end.
There is no meaningful difference between too and as well. Both are neutral in register and interchangeable in most contexts.
Formal and semi-formal words
These words are typical of written English — reports, articles, emails, and academic texts. They connect two separate sentences or clauses rather than joining words within a single sentence.
In addition
In addition introduces an extra point. It usually starts a new sentence, followed by a comma.
It can also appear mid-sentence between commas: The hotel, in addition, provides airport transfers.
Moreover and furthermore
Moreover and furthermore are close synonyms. Both introduce a point that reinforces or strengthens the previous one. They belong to formal writing — academic papers, business reports, official correspondence.
The difference between them is negligible. Moreover is slightly more common in British English; furthermore is equally used everywhere.
Besides
Besides adds information that shifts the argument in a new direction. It often carries a tone of "and on top of that" or "anyway".
Besides usually starts a sentence, followed by a comma.
What's more
What's more is similar to moreover but slightly less formal — comfortable in journalism, everyday writing, and conversation.
Position and punctuation
Different addition words follow different punctuation patterns.
| WORD | TYPICAL POSITION | PUNCTUATION |
|---|---|---|
| and | between items | no extra punctuation |
| also | mid-sentence | no extra punctuation |
| too | end of sentence | no extra punctuation |
| as well | end of sentence | no extra punctuation |
| in addition | start of sentence | comma after |
| moreover | start of sentence | comma after |
| furthermore | start of sentence | comma after |
| besides | start of sentence | comma after |
| what's more | start of sentence | comma after |
When in addition, moreover, or furthermore appear mid-sentence, they are set off with commas on both sides.
The register scale
Not every addition word fits every situation. Think of them on a scale from casual to formal.
Neutral (everyday speech and writing): and, also, too, as well
Semi-formal (articles, business emails): in addition, besides, what's more
Formal (academic writing, reports): moreover, furthermore
Using moreover in a text message sounds odd. Using too in a research paper is not wrong but feels lightweight. Matching the word to the register makes writing sound natural.
Not only...but also
When you want to emphasize that two things are true, not only...but also works as a paired structure.
This structure is covered in detail separately as part of correlative conjunctions.
Common mistakes
Position of also
Too and as well at the start
Missing comma after sentence-initial linkers
Register mismatch
Double marking