selain itu
In Addition with Selain Itu
Use selain itu at the start of a sentence to mean 'in addition' or 'furthermore'. It connects a new idea to the previous one in formal writing and speech.
How It Works
Selain itu is one of the most common transition words in formal Malay, particularly in karangan (essays).
1. Grammatical Position
It almost always appears at the very beginning of a sentence. In written Malay, it is standard practice to follow it with a comma.
2. Function
Unlike the simple conjunction dan (and), which joins words or phrases within a single sentence, selain itu operates at the discourse level. It signals to the reader that the previous point is finished and a new, distinct, but related point is being introduced.
3. Register
This expression is highly formal. While understood in casual conversation, speakers often prefer simpler transitions like lagi satu or pastu. In academic, professional, or news contexts, selain itu is the standard choice.
4. The 'Daripada' Debate
You will often hear or see selain daripada itu. While common, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) considers the word daripada redundant (lewah) because selain already carries the meaning of 'other than'. For the highest level of formal accuracy, stick to selain itu.
Examples (3)
- Kita perlu menjaga kebersihan alam sekitar. Selain itu, kita hendaklah menjimatkan penggunaan air.
We need to maintain the cleanliness of the environment. In addition, we should save on water usage.
Word by Word: We need maintain cleanliness nature environment. Besides that, we should save usage water.
Here, 'selain itu' introduces a second, separate action that supports the general theme of environmental care.
- Sukan dapat menyihatkan badan. Selain itu, aktiviti ini dapat memupuk semangat kerjasama.
Sports can make the body healthy. Furthermore, these activities can foster a spirit of cooperation.
Word by Word: Sports can healthy-en body. Besides that, activity this can foster spirit cooperation.
The phrase adds a social benefit of sports after a physical benefit has already been mentioned.
- Dia seorang pelajar yang rajin. Selain itu, dia juga aktif dalam bidang kokurikulum.
He is a hardworking student. Moreover, he is also active in extracurricular activities.
Word by Word: He one-person student who hardworking. Besides that, he also active in field extracurricular.
Notice the use of juga (also) in the second sentence, which often pairs naturally with 'selain itu' to emphasize the addition.
Common Mistakes
Using 'selain daripada itu' in formal writing.
Selain daripada itu, kita mesti berusaha.Selain itu, kita mesti berusaha.While 'daripada' is frequently used by native speakers, it is considered redundant (lewah) in formal grammar because 'selain' already means 'besides' or 'other than'.
Using it to connect two nouns within the same sentence.
Saya suka epal selain itu oren.Saya suka epal dan oren.'Selain itu' is a sentence-starter (discourse marker), not a simple conjunction like 'dan'. It cannot be used to list items inside a single clause.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'selain itu', learners need to be familiar with the demonstrative pronoun 'itu' used to refer to abstract concepts or previous statements. They should also understand basic ways to add information using 'dan' (and) or 'juga' (also) before moving to this more formal transition used to introduce separate supporting points.
- ituItu Meaning That
The pattern 'selain itu' uses 'itu' as a pronoun to refer back to a previously mentioned idea or fact.
Level 1 - danCoordination with Dan
Understanding basic coordination is necessary before learning more advanced additive transitions like 'selain itu'.
Level 1 - jugaAlso with Juga
The concept of adding information ('also') is a functional precursor to using sentence-level transitions for supporting points.
Level 1
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice selain itu in Bubblegum
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