Cool MateBesides vs Moreover
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Besides
Top 2,000 (common)B2preposition
Moreover
FormalTop 3,000 (common)B2adverb
Most formal: MoreoverMost common: Besides
| Besides | Moreover | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/bɪˈsaɪdz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bɪˈsaɪdz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/mɔːrˈəʊvə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/mɔːrˈəʊvər/"]/ |
| Meaning | Also; in addition to. | Also; in addition to what was said. |
| Example | We have lots of things in common besides music. | A talented artist, he was, moreover, a writer of some note. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | preposition | adverb |
| Collocations | besides the point, besides this, besides being | moreover, it is important, moreover, research shows, moreover, we can conclude |
| Antonyms | excluding, without | however, nevertheless, nonetheless |
| Common mistakes | Using 'besides' when 'beside' (next to) is meant., Confusing 'besides' with 'beside'., Incorrectly using 'besides' with a negative statement. | 'Moreover' used at the start of a sentence without proper context., Confusing 'moreover' with 'more then' — they have different meanings., Using 'moreover' in informal settings where simpler words would be better. |
| Usage notes | Use 'besides' to introduce additional information. It fits informal and formal contexts but is slightly more common in spoken English. Avoid using it at the beginning of a formal document. | Use 'moreover' to add information in formal writing or speeches. It's not common in casual conversations. Alternatives like 'also' may feel more fitting in informal contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Besides vs Moreover
What's the difference between Besides and Moreover?
Besides: Also; in addition to. Moreover: Also; in addition to what was said.
Which is more formal: Besides and Moreover?
Moreover is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Besides and Moreover?
Besides is the most common in everyday English.
Are Besides and Moreover the same CEFR level?
Besides: B2, Moreover: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Besides and Moreover?
Besides: preposition, Moreover: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Besides: We have lots of things in common besides music. Moreover: A talented artist, he was, moreover, a writer of some note.
Can I use Besides and Moreover interchangeably?
Not always. Besides and Moreover 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.