en outre

Furthermore with En Outre

Level 4

En outre is a high-level transition word used to add information that supports your current point. It is the formal equivalent of de plus.

How It Works

En outre functions as an additive adverbial phrase. It signals to the reader or listener that you are providing an additional, often stronger, piece of evidence for the same argument.

1. Placement:

  • Sentence Initial: Most common in writing. It is usually followed by a comma. (e.g., En outre, il est...)
  • Mid-sentence: Placed after the conjugated verb or between the auxiliary and the past participle. (e.g., Il a, en outre, précisé...)

2. Phonology:
A mandatory liaison occurs between the 'n' of en and the 'ou' of outre, pronounced as [ɑ̃.n‿utʁ].

3. Register:
This is a formal connector. While it is essential for passing advanced exams (like DALF) or writing professional emails, using it in casual conversation with friends will sound overly stiff or pretentious. In those cases, de plus or en plus is preferred.

Examples (4)

  1. Ce logiciel est très intuitif. En outre, il est compatible avec tous les systèmes d'exploitation.

    This software is very intuitive. Furthermore, it is compatible with all operating systems.

    Word by Word: This software is very intuitive. In addition, it is compatible with all the systems of operation.

    Here, 'en outre' adds a second technical advantage to the first one, maintaining the same positive tone.

  2. L'entreprise a réduit ses coûts ; elle a, en outre, amélioré sa productivité.

    The company reduced its costs; it has, moreover, improved its productivity.

    Word by Word: The company has reduced its costs; she has, in addition, improved her productivity.

    This shows the placement of 'en outre' between the auxiliary and the past participle in a compound tense.

  3. En outre, le rapport souligne l'importance de la formation continue.

    Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of continuous training.

    Word by Word: In addition, the report underlines the importance of the training continuous.

    A classic example of 'en outre' at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a new finding in a formal report.

  4. Il est nécessaire de protéger l'environnement. En outre, cela crée de nouveaux emplois.

    It is necessary to protect the environment. Moreover, it creates new jobs.

    Word by Word: It is necessary of to protect the environment. In addition, that creates of new jobs.

    The connector adds a socio-economic argument to an environmental one, both supporting the same thesis.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'en outre de' as a preposition.

    En outre de son talent, il est travailleur.
    Outre son talent, il est travailleur.

    'En outre' is an adverbial phrase and cannot take an object. If you want to say 'Besides [something]', use the simple preposition 'outre'.

  • Using 'en outre' in a very casual context.

    On va au ciné ? En outre, on pourrait manger une pizza.
    On va au ciné ? En plus, on pourrait manger une pizza.

    'En outre' is too formal for a casual suggestion among friends. Use 'en plus' or 'de plus' instead.

How It Connects

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en outreLevel 4Furthermore with En Outre

Learn This First

To understand 'en outre', you should already be familiar with basic sentence connectors like 'de plus' that add information. Since 'en outre' is primarily used in formal writing to link arguments, a good grasp of standard French sentence structure is necessary.

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en outreoutre