qui plus est
What Is More with Qui Plus Est
Qui plus est is a sophisticated way to say 'what is more' or 'furthermore.' It introduces a 'clincher' argument that carries more weight than what was just said.
How It Works
The locution qui plus est functions as an additive marker with an intensifying effect (renchérissement).
1. Usage and Nuance
It is used to stack arguments where the second point is stronger than the first. It can introduce both positive and negative reinforcements. For example: Il est impoli, qui plus est, malhonnête (He is rude, and what's more, dishonest). The dishonesty is presented as a more serious flaw than the rudeness.
2. Sentence Position
It is a parenthetical element (élément incident) and is almost always set off by commas:
- Middle: Cette solution est coûteuse et, qui plus est, inefficace.
- Beginning: ... Qui plus est, il refuse de coopérer.
- End: Il a oublié son passeport, et son billet qui plus est !
3. Pronunciation
In this specific phrase, the 's' in plus is pronounced as a [z] sound because of the liaison with the following vowel in est (pronounced: /ki ply.z‿ɛ/).
4. Register
This is a soutenu (formal) expression. In casual conversation, speakers prefer en plus or et puis. Using qui plus est in a relaxed setting may sound overly academic or 'bookish.'
Examples (4)
- Cette stratégie est risquée et, qui plus est, elle ne s'aligne pas sur nos priorités.
This strategy is risky and, what is more, it does not align with our priorities.
Word by Word: This strategy is risky and, who more is, she not herself aligns not on our priorities.
Here, the lack of alignment is presented as a more decisive reason to reject the strategy than the risk itself.
- Il a plu toute la journée. Qui plus est, le vent soufflait en tempête.
It rained all day. What is more, the wind was blowing a gale.
Word by Word: It has rained all the day. Who more is, the wind was blowing in tempest.
The connector links two sentences, emphasizing that the wind made the already bad weather even worse.
- C'est un excellent musicien, et un compositeur de talent qui plus est.
He is an excellent musician, and a talented composer to boot.
Word by Word: It is an excellent musician, and a composer of talent who more is.
When placed at the end of a sentence, it adds a final emphatic flourish to the description.
- Le projet a pris du retard ; qui plus est, le budget a été réduit.
The project has been delayed; furthermore, the budget has been reduced.
Word by Word: The project has taken some delay; who more is, the budget has been reduced.
The reduction of the budget is the 'clincher' that adds to the problem of the delay.
Common Mistakes
Changing the tense of the verb 'est' to match the sentence.
Il était fatigué, qui plus était, il avait faim.Il était fatigué, qui plus est, il avait faim.The expression is a 'locution figée' (fixed phrase). Even if the main sentence is in the past, 'est' must remain in the present tense.
Using it in a very casual or informal context.
Je peux pas venir, qui plus est j'ai pas d'argent.Je ne peux pas venir, en plus je n'ai pas d'argent.Using 'qui plus est' in a casual sentence with 'pas de ne' and contractions sounds jarring. Use 'en plus' for informal speech.
Mispronouncing the 's' in 'plus'.
Pronouncing it as /ki ply ɛ/ or /ki ply.s ɛ/.Pronouncing it as /ki ply.z‿ɛ/.In this specific fixed expression, the liaison is mandatory, turning the 's' into a [z] sound.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'qui plus est', you need to recognize its components: the relative pronoun 'qui', the comparative adverb 'plus', and the present tense of the verb 'être'. It functions as a formal transition to add a decisive point to an argument.
- qui (pronom relatif)Relative Pronoun Qui (Subject)
Understanding 'qui' as a relative pronoun that functions as a subject is necessary to parse the structure of this fixed expression.
Level 2 - plus...queComparative of Superiority
The word 'plus' in this connector functions as a comparative marker, indicating an addition or increase in importance.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- de plusFurthermore with De Plus
A standard, more neutral way to say 'furthermore' without the specific 'intensifying' nuance.
Level 4 - en outreFurthermore with En Outre
Another formal connector for 'furthermore,' often used to add a different category of information.
Level 4 - d'autant plus queAll the More So Because with D'autant Plus Que
Expresses a proportional reason ('all the more so because'), whereas 'qui plus est' adds a new fact.
Level 4 - Linking a silent consonant to the next vowel
Explains why the 's' in 'plus' is pronounced as a [z] in this specific phrase.
Level 1 - Formal versus casual register contrast
Contextualizes 'qui plus est' as a formal (soutenu) expression compared to casual alternatives.
Level 6
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice qui plus est in Bubblegum
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