Confused about using 'besides', 'in addition', or 'moreover' in my report introduction
I'm working on the introduction for a report and I keep getting stuck on which transition word to use. For example, I'm trying to join two ideas: "The city has a beautiful park. Besides, there are several museums nearby." Should I use 'besides', 'in addition', or 'moreover' here?
I've also seen sentences like: "The city has a beautiful park. In addition, there are several museums nearby." and "The city has a beautiful park. Moreover, there are several museums nearby." Are these all correct, or is there a subtle difference in how they're used? I'd appreciate any tips for choosing the right one in formal writing!
Context:
Academic writing, formal tone, non-native English speaker
What to Know
| What to Know | Why It Matters | Example | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| When choosing among 'besides', 'in addition', and 'moreover', focus first on the pattern of formality and logical connection each creates:. | Try rewriting one of your own sentences using both, and decide which better fits the relationship between your points. | This wording is correct because it matches the intended meaning in context. | Can I explain why this form fits this sentence better than the alternative? |
| Writers often memorize a definition but miss the context cue that controls the correct choice. | This helps you choose wording by meaning instead of surface form. | A different phrasing is better when the literal meaning would be clearer. | Did I choose this form for meaning, not because it looked familiar? |
3 Answers
When choosing among 'besides', 'in addition', and 'moreover', focus first on the pattern of formality and logical connection each creates:
- 'Besides' is generally informal and suggests an extra point, sometimes after objections.
- 'In addition' signals another fact or detail, neutral and common in formal writing.
- 'Moreover' is also formal, used to add information that strengthens or emphasizes the previous statement.
Compare these formal writing patterns:
- The university offers diverse academic programs. In addition, students can access a wide range of extracurricular activities.
- The university offers diverse academic programs. Moreover, its research facilities are internationally recognized.
- The university offers diverse academic programs. Besides, students can join many clubs. (Informal)
Practice Tip: In formal contexts (academic or reports), prefer 'in addition' or 'moreover'. Try rewriting one of your own sentences using both, and decide which better fits the relationship between your points.
Self-check: Read your sentence aloud. Does the transition sound formal and add value, or is it too casual? If it's the latter, replace 'besides' with 'in addition' or 'moreover'.
Let's break down the use of 'besides', 'in addition', and 'moreover' by directly comparing nearly identical sentences, so you can observe their differences:
- There is a state-of-the-art gym on campus. In addition, a swimming pool is available. (Simply adds another feature; neutral and formal.)
- There is a state-of-the-art gym on campus. Moreover, the facilities recently won a national award. (Adds something significant, emphasizing importance.)
- There is a state-of-the-art gym on campus. Besides, there's a swimming pool too. (Conversational; less suitable for formal writing.)
Tip: In academic reports, use 'in addition' when you want to smoothly add another point, and 'moreover' when the second point makes your argument stronger. Reserve 'besides' for informal writing.
Practice: Take two related facts from your report and try joining them with 'in addition' and then with 'moreover'. Which fits your emphasis? Identify if 'besides' feels too informal for your setting.
A helpful way to choose the best connector is to use a self-editing question: "How closely or formally do I want to link these points?"
- 'In addition': Use for neutral, sequential listing of facts. Example: The conference will cover recent technological advances. In addition, several workshops are planned.
- 'Moreover': Use for stronger connection, adding weight or important support. Example: The conference will cover recent technological advances. Moreover, leading experts will present new research.
- 'Besides': Use only for informal writing, often to add something after refuting a possible objection. Example: The conference is quite affordable. Besides, it's easy to travel to the venue.
Practice: Look at a draft paragraph. Ask: "Is my second point essential or just another item? Do I need a formal tone?" Based on your answers, swap in 'in addition' or 'moreover,' and read for flow and tone. Adjust if 'besides' feels too casual.
Want to answer this question? Log in or create an account.