de plus

Furthermore with De Plus

Level 4

Use de plus to add a new point that supports your previous statement. It is the standard way to say 'furthermore' in professional or academic French.

How It Works

1. Function and Meaning
De plus translates to 'furthermore,' 'moreover,' or 'in addition.' Its primary role is to introduce a second argument that points in the same direction as the first. If your first sentence is a 'pro,' the sentence starting with de plus will also be a 'pro.'

2. Placement and Punctuation
It is most commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma:

  • Cette voiture est rapide. De plus, elle consomme peu.

It can also be placed parenthetically after the verb for a more sophisticated flow:

  • Il est, de plus, très ponctuel.

3. Quantitative Use
Beyond its role as a connector, de plus can function as a quantifier meaning 'more' or 'extra.' In this context, it follows a noun or a duration:

  • J'ai besoin de deux jours de plus. (I need two more days.)
  • Il y a une personne de plus. (There is one extra person.)

4. Pronunciation Note
When used as a logical connector at the start of a sentence, the final -s in de plus is typically pronounced (/s/). This helps distinguish it from the mathematical or negative uses of 'plus' where the -s is often silent. However, be aware that pronunciation rules for 'plus' are complex and vary depending on the grammatical context.

5. Register and Nuance
De plus is neutral to formal. It is the 'workhorse' of French essays and business emails. In very casual conversation, native speakers often switch to en plus, but de plus remains the standard for organized thought.

Examples (4)

  1. Le projet est innovant. De plus, il respecte l'environnement.

    The project is innovative. Furthermore, it respects the environment.

    Word by Word: The project is innovative. Of more, it respects the environment.

    Here, 'de plus' adds a second positive attribute to the project, reinforcing the argument for it.

  2. Elle parle couramment l'anglais. Elle connaît, de plus, le japonais.

    She speaks English fluently. She also knows Japanese.

    Word by Word: She speaks fluently the English. She knows, of more, the Japanese.

    This shows the parenthetical placement of 'de plus' after the verb, which is common in formal writing.

  3. Il fait très froid ; de plus, il commence à neiger.

    It is very cold; moreover, it is starting to snow.

    Word by Word: It makes very cold; of more, it starts to snow.

    Used after a semicolon to link two related observations that support the idea of bad weather.

  4. Cette solution est trop chère. De plus, elle n'est pas efficace.

    This solution is too expensive. Furthermore, it is not effective.

    Word by Word: This solution is too expensive. Of more, she is not effective.

    In this case, 'de plus' stacks two negative points to argue against a solution.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving the final -s silent.

    de plus [dəply]
    de plus [dəplys]

    Unlike the negative 'plus' (as in 'ne... plus'), the -s in the connector 'de plus' must always be pronounced.

  • Confusing 'de plus' with 'plus de'.

    J'ai de plus idées.
    J'ai plus de bonnes idées.

    'De plus' is a connector (furthermore), while 'plus de' is a quantifier (more of). You cannot use 'de plus' to mean 'more' followed by a noun.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

de plusLevel 4Furthermore with De Plus

Learn This First

To understand 'de plus' as a transition word, learners should be familiar with the preposition 'de' and the adverb 'plus', which are the two components of this expression.

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Words in This Pattern

de plus