Cool MateAlso vs Furthermore
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Also
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Furthermore
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Most formal: FurthermoreMost common: Also
| Also | Furthermore | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌfɜːrðərˈmɔːr/"]/ |
| Meaning | in addition to something else | Also; in addition to what was said before. |
| Example | She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian. | He said he had not discussed the matter with her. Furthermore, he had not even contacted her. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | also known as, also includes, can also be | furthermore, it is important, furthermore, we should consider, furthermore, studies show |
| Antonyms | otherwise, differently | however, nevertheless |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'too' — both mean similar things but are used differently., 'Also' placed incorrectly in sentences — it generally goes before the main verb. | Using 'furthermore' in informal speech too often., Confusing 'furthermore' with 'besides' which can have a different tone., Placing a comma before 'furthermore' incorrectly in sentence structure. |
| Usage notes | Use 'also' to add information. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it at the beginning of sentences in very formal writing. | Use 'furthermore' to add information in formal writing or speech. It's less common in casual conversation. Avoid starting sentences with it in informal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Also vs Furthermore
What's the difference between Also and Furthermore?
Also: in addition to something else Furthermore: Also; in addition to what was said before.
Which is more formal: Also and Furthermore?
Furthermore is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Also and Furthermore?
Also is the most common in everyday English.
Are Also and Furthermore the same CEFR level?
Also: A1, Furthermore: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Also and Furthermore interchangeably?
Not always. Also and Furthermore are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.