It is a common misconception that the word ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’ carry similar meanings. There is a small difference between the two that has a huge impact on your English sentences. In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances that separate ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’. As usual, this blog post includes examples and Bahasa Melayu translations of sentences using ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’ for clarity.

First and foremost, let’s look at the meanings of both words and their general definitions. As we did in our previous post regarding assure vs ensure here.

‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’ both mean ‘Additionally’. And that is where the similarity ends. That’s because ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore are used differently and affects a sentence differently. Although ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’ are both for presenting additional facts, the subsequent statement after those words carries different themes. Let’s look at examples for more clarity on this.

Moreover – Indicates relationship between sentences.

He decides to stay put. Moreover, he needs to think.
In this example, ‘Moreover’ is used to show that he decided to stay put because he needed to do some thinking. The use of ‘Moreover’ provides a rationale for the previous sentence.

In Bahasa Melayu, the translation of the sentence is: ‘Dia mengambil keputusan untuk duduk sahaja di situ. Lagipun, dia perlu masa untuk berfikir.’

Note that the translation for ‘Moreover’ in this sentence is ‘Lagipun‘.

It’s almost noon and she’s still sleeping. Moreover, she has a class in one hour!
In this example, ‘Moreover’ is used to show that she needs to wake up not just because it is almost noon, also because she has a class soon. The use of ‘Moreover’ shows that both sentences indicate that she needs to wake up.

In Bahasa Melayu, the translation of this sentence is: ‘Sudah hampir tengah hari masakan dia masih tidur. Dia ada kelas dalam masa sejam!’

Note that the translation for ‘Moreover’ in this sentence is slipped in the earlier sentence using ‘Masakan‘. The use of ‘Masakan’ in place of ‘Moreover’ shows that ‘Moreover’ carries the effect of ‘how could she still be sleeping?’ to the sentences.

Furthermore – Offers more pertinent fact than the one presented before.

It’s almost noon and she’s still sleeping. Furthermore, she has a class in one hour and needs to prepare lunch!
In this example, ‘Furthermore’ is used to present more reasons she needs to wake up. The use of ‘Furthermore’ simply bridges for additional facts.

In Bahasa Melayu, the translation of this sentence is: ‘Sudah hampir tengah hari dan dia masih tidur. Dia tu ada kelas dalam masa sejam dan perlu menyediakan makanan tengah hari!‘

Note that the translation for ‘Furthermore’ in this sentence is parsed through the use of ‘Dia tu…‘. This shows that the use of ‘Furthermore’ is for presenting further facts and doesn’t alter the meaning of a sentence if it is dropped.

The study of stem cells has advanced in the past decades. Furthermore, its advancement benefits those in need of stem cell therapy.
In this example, ‘Furthermore’ is used to state more facts about stem cells. The use of ‘Furthermore’ simply bridges the two sentences yet not directly impacting either sentence in any way.

In Bahasa Melayu, the translation of this sentence is: ‘Kajian mengenai sel stem semakin maju sejak dekad yang lalu. Kemajuan kajian sel stem memanfaatkan mereka yang memerlukan terapi sel stem.‘

Note that the use of ‘Furthermore’ in the Bahasa Melayu translation was dropped without impacting the meaning of the sentences.

Moreover – Adds a reason that is of a different lead.

The study of stem cells has advanced in the past decades. Moreover, its advancement has helped us have a better understanding of diseases.
In this example, the use of ‘Moreover’ steers the sentence from ‘the study of stem cells’ to having ‘a better understanding of diseases’.

In Bahasa Melayu, the translation of this sentence is: ‘Kajian mengenai sel stem semakin maju sejak dekad lalu. Menariknya, kemajuan kajian ini memberi kita pengetahuan dalam memahami sifat penyakit.‘

Note that the use of ‘Moreover’ in the Bahasa Melayu translation is ‘Menariknya‘. The use of ‘Menariknya‘ indicates an unassumed additional fact.

The novel has been collecting dust on the nightstand. Moreover, the school holiday just started.
In this example, the use of ‘Moreover’ shows that the novel will be read soon because there will be time to read the novel during the school holidays. The use of ‘Moreover’ is a clever way to state that the issue brought up in the earlier sentence will be solved.

In Bahasa Melayu, the translation of this sentence is: ‘Novel itu sudah berhabuk di tepi katil. Meskipun begitu, cuti sekolah baru sahaja bermula.‘

Note that the use of ‘Moreover’ in the Bahasa Melayu translation is ‘Meskipun begitu‘.

Conclusion

The use of ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’ should be used interchangeably. Although both words carry the same meaning and purpose, which is to provide additional facts – the two words impact sentences differently.

Thank you for reading this far to understand the use of ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’. Shall you have any questions, you may drop a line in the Comment section below. Or you may simply reply to my Weekly Email if you’re a subscriber.

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Until then, communicate effectively. Because the ideas in your head are only as good as your pitch.