English: Using connectors correctly
Connectors used to add and reinforce (1/3)
furthermore
The adverb furthermore is used for three main purposes:
- to add a statement to a preceding one,
- to reinforce a previously made statement,
- to introduce a new idea or consideration in an argumentative structure (e.g., an argumentative essay or paper).
It can be used at the beginning of a sentence or mid-sentence, but in the latter case it has to be separated off with commas. Sometimes, furthermore is used to modify an adjective. If that is the case, as in the example of "furthermore significant", there are no commas required.
In the following examples you can see both the different uses and the different positions that furthermore can take in sentences:
The adverb furthermore is used for three main purposes:
- to add a statement to a preceding one,
- to reinforce a previously made statement,
- to introduce a new idea or consideration in an argumentative structure (e.g., an argumentative essay or paper).
It can be used at the beginning of a sentence or mid-sentence, but in the latter case it has to be separated off with commas. Sometimes, furthermore is used to modify an adjective. If that is the case, as in the example of "furthermore significant", there are no commas required.
In the following examples you can see both the different uses and the different positions that furthermore can take in sentences:
- The restaurant offered tasty meals at reasonable prices. Furthermore, it was within walking distance of the company headquarters.
- The article covers a relevant topic. Similar articles have been published, furthermore, in high-ranking scientific journals.
- His ideas for adapting the furnace temperatures are furthermore significant because they would have an impact on production cost.
- These results seem plausible. Furthermore, several other studies have led to similar findings.
- Sue is always the first to arrive at the laboratory. Her research, furthermore, has always been of a very high quality.
In academic writing, you should never start a sentence with "and". Adverbs such as furthermore can be used instead. When you use furthermore, you cannot use other adverbs that have the same function, such as in addition and as well, in the same sentence. Adverbs such as these should also be used sparingly in academic writing, as it is not ideal to simply add on more information by using connectors: this is considered poor style. Try to think of other ways to establish cohesion, e.g., by using pronouns or synonyms of previously used words.