Besides vs. What's More

Attribute	Besides	What's More
Meaning	In addition to	Furthermore
Usage	Used to introduce additional information	Used to introduce further information or emphasize a point
Formality	Neutral	Neutral
Position in sentence	Can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence	Usually used at the beginning of a sentence

Introduction

When it comes to adding additional information or emphasizing a point in writing, two common phrases that are often used are "besides" and "what's more." While both phrases serve a similar purpose, there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations. In this article, we will explore the attributes of besides and what's more, and discuss when it is appropriate to use each one.

Definition and Usage of Besides

The word "besides" is typically used as a preposition or adverb to indicate in addition to or apart from what has already been mentioned. It is often used to introduce an additional point or reason that supports the main idea. For example, "Besides studying for her exams, she also works part-time at a local cafe." In this sentence, besides is used to show that the person mentioned is doing something in addition to studying.

Besides can also be used to mean "except" or "other than." For example, "Besides pizza, there are many other options on the menu." In this case, besides is used to indicate that there are other choices available besides pizza.

Definition and Usage of What's More

The phrase "what's more" is used to introduce an additional point that strengthens or emphasizes the previous statement. It is often used to add a new piece of information that further supports the argument or idea being presented. For example, "She not only aced her presentation, but what's more, she did it without any notes." In this sentence, what's more is used to highlight an impressive aspect of the situation.

What's more can also be used to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact. For example, "The concert tickets were expensive, and what's more, they sold out in minutes." In this case, what's more is used to emphasize the unexpected nature of the tickets selling out quickly.

Comparison of Besides and What's More

While both besides and what's more are used to introduce additional information, there are some key differences between the two phrases. Besides is often used to add more information that is related to the main point, while what's more is used to introduce a new point that strengthens or emphasizes the previous statement.

Besides is more commonly used to list additional reasons or examples, while what's more is used to highlight a surprising or impressive fact. Additionally, besides can be used to mean "except" or "other than," while what's more is used specifically to introduce a new point.

Examples of Besides and What's More

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences in usage between besides and what's more:

• Besides studying for her exams, she also volunteers at a local animal shelter.
• Besides pizza, there are many other options on the menu.
• She aced her presentation, and what's more, she did it without any notes.
• The concert tickets were expensive, and what's more, they sold out in minutes.

When to Use Besides

Besides is typically used when listing additional reasons, examples, or information that is related to the main point. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to add more depth to a statement. Besides is also used to mean "except" or "other than," making it a useful word for clarifying distinctions.

When to Use What's More

What's more is used when introducing a new point that strengthens or emphasizes the previous statement. It is often used to highlight surprising or impressive facts that add weight to the argument being made. What's more is a powerful phrase that can draw attention to key points in a discussion or presentation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, besides and what's more are both valuable phrases that can enhance writing and communication by adding additional information or emphasizing key points. While besides is used to list additional reasons or examples, what's more is used to introduce new points that strengthen the argument. Understanding the nuances of these phrases can help writers effectively convey their ideas and make their writing more engaging and persuasive.