What is moreover? Pronunciation and usage in English

moreover means . Learn how to pronounce and use moreover through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of moreover

moreoveradverb

/mɔːrˈəʊvə/
Definition & pronunciation of moreover

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "moreover." It can be a tricky one for English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

  • more: Sounds like "more" (as in, "more cookies") - /mɔːr/
  • -over: Sounds like "over" – /oʊvər/

2. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced as mɔːr-oʊvər

Here's a phonetic transcription (closer to how a native speaker would say it):

  • mɔːr - Think of the "o" as a broader, more open sound than in "more" in some dialects. It's not a short "o" sound. It’s a rounded vowel.
  • -oʊvər - The "o" in "over" is similar to the "o" in "go." It's a bright, open "o" sound. The "r" at the end should be a very light, almost-silent "r" (like in "go over").

Tips for sounding natural:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("more").
  • The 'r' sound: Don’t overemphasize the "r" at the end of "over." It’s a very soft, almost swallowed sound.
  • Smooth Connection: The connection between "more" and "over" should be smooth and connected. Don't pause significantly between them.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/moreover/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Translate: Type "moreover" into Google Translate, and click the speaker icon.

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What accent are you trying to emulate? (e.g., American, British, Australian?) Pronunciation can vary slightly between accents.

Usage and examples with the word moreover in English

Let's break down how to use "moreover" effectively in English. It's a fantastic word for adding weight and connection to your arguments, but it needs to be used correctly.

1. What "Moreover" Means

"Moreover" means "in addition," "furthermore," or "besides." It signals that you’re presenting an additional point that supports or builds upon what you’ve already stated. It's a transition word, like "and," "but," or "so."

2. How to Use It – Structure & Examples

The key is to correctly set up the sentence. Here’s the basic structure:

  • Sentence 1 (Statement): Make your initial point.
  • "Moreover," (Transition word)
  • Sentence 2 (Additional Point): Add a new idea that relates to the first one.

Here are several examples to illustrate different uses:

  • Example 1 (Supporting a claim): “The company’s profits increased significantly this year. Moreover, employee satisfaction surveys showed a substantial rise in morale.” (The second sentence adds another positive outcome.)

  • Example 2 (Expanding on a reason): “The rain caused traffic delays. Moreover, many roads were flooded, making them impassable.” (The second sentence gives a specific consequence of the rain.)

  • Example 3 (Adding a contrasting point – use with care!): “Studying is important for academic success. Moreover, it can also broaden your perspective and improve your critical thinking skills.” (Here, "moreover" connects with the idea of studying. But be cautious of using it to sharply contrast; "however" is often better for true opposites.)

  • Example 4 (Building an argument): “The new policy has reduced paperwork. Moreover, it has streamlined the approval process, saving time for employees.” (Each sentence adds a benefit of the policy.)

3. Important Considerations & Nuances

  • Formal Tone: "Moreover" has a slightly more formal and sophisticated sound than "and," "also," or "in addition." It's generally appropriate for academic writing, professional reports, and formal speeches. In casual conversation, you might find “and,” “also,” or "besides" sound more natural.

  • Don't Overuse It: Like any transitional word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Variety in your transitions will improve readability.

  • Relationship Between Sentences: The second sentence must logically connect to the first. It shouldn't introduce a completely new topic without a clear link. The connection should be evident.

  • Alternatives: Consider these synonyms for flexibility:

    • Furthermore: Very similar to “moreover.”
    • Also: More casual, but perfectly acceptable in many contexts.
    • In addition: A more straightforward alternative.
    • Besides: Can be used to add an unexpected or supplementary point.

4. When Not to Use It

  • Don't use it to simply add unrelated information. For instance: "The sky is blue. Moreover, the cat is sleeping." This is grammatically correct but lacks a meaningful connection.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., persuasive writing, descriptive writing)?
  • Help you practice using "moreover" in a sentence?

Comment ()