Need an in addition synonym that does not sound stiff? Start with also, additionally, furthermore and moreover when you open a sentence, and reach for along with or as well as whenever a noun follows.
These words all add, but they add with different weight. Moreover tends to bring a stronger point, while also simply puts one more item on the pile. The sections that follow sort them by position in the sentence, show the commas each one needs, and list casual options for chat. Think of it as another word for in addition, picked by slot rather than by meaning.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
also, additionally, furthermore, moreover, besidesPart of speech
Adverb phrase (in addition to is a preposition phrase)Most formal
furthermore, moreoverMost casual
plus, on top of that, to bootStrongest
moreover, what is moreAntonyms
None; for contrast use however or insteadWatch out
In addition to takes a noun or an ing form: in addition to cooking, not in addition to cook.
Where each in addition synonym can sit
Position matters more than meaning here. Some swaps open a sentence, some sit before a noun, and some close a clause.
| Position | Swaps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Start of sentence | additionally, furthermore, moreover, besides | Moreover, the plan saves water. |
| Before a noun | as well as, along with, apart from | Along with rent, you pay for heat. |
| End of clause | too, as well, to boot | The cafe is cheap, and quiet too. |
| Middle of sentence | also | The course also covers first aid. |
From plus to furthermore
On the strip of chips, tone rises from left to right. Plus as an opener is fine in speech and texts but marked down in essays. On top of that is friendly and a little emphatic. Also is neutral. Additionally feels businesslike. Furthermore ranks stiffest on this strip, handy for stacking reasons in a formal case.
In addition itself lands between also and additionally, so teachers see it constantly in homework.
Commas and small grammar points
- Sentence openers take a comma: Furthermore, the data is old.
- As well as and along with take no comma before the noun: as well as a map.
- Besides can mean in addition, but also apart from: besides Sam, nobody came means only Sam came. Read it twice.
- Short sentences can end with too or as well, normally with no comma before them.
- With a verb after in addition to, use the ing form: in addition to teaching, she writes.
Before and after swaps
- In addition, the hotel has a pool becomes the hotel also has a pool.
- In addition to the fee, there is a deposit becomes on top of the fee, there is a deposit.
- In addition, the results were not tested becomes moreover, the results were not tested.
- He speaks French and Spanish in addition becomes he speaks French and Spanish as well.
An email update: "In addition, the room is booked. In addition, lunch is ordered." Try: "The room is booked, and lunch is ordered too." Joining the two facts cut the linker count to one.
Using linkers in essays without overdoing it
Graders reward variety, but they reward clear logic more. Use one adding word per paragraph at most, and let and do simple joining. Save moreover for a point that is stronger than the last one. If you find furthermore, moreover and additionally in three sentences in a row, cut two.
The transition words hub groups adding, contrasting and concluding words, so you can see which family you need.
Words that look similar but do not add
Instead replaces rather than adds. However and but set up a contrast. Therefore draws a result. Including introduces part of a list you have already named, so it narrows rather than adds. If your second point disagrees with the first, an adding word will confuse the reader.
Frequently asked questions
Which essay linkers can replace in addition?
Additionally, furthermore and moreover are the standard essay swaps. Also, placed mid-sentence, is the least showy option.
Is in addition formal?
It is neutral to formal. It suits essays and reports, but in a chat message also or plus sounds more natural.
How do in addition and in addition to differ?
In addition stands alone and links sentences. In addition to must lead into a noun or an ing verb, like in addition to the book.
Is also allowed as the first word of a sentence?
Yes, in most writing. Some strict style guides prefer additionally at the start, but also is common and correct.
Is moreover stronger than in addition?
Yes. Moreover suggests the new point adds weight to the argument, while in addition simply adds.
Is there an opposite of in addition?
No true one exists for a linking phrase. Contrast calls for however or but, and replacing calls for instead.