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French Grammar

Advanced Connectors: Expansion & Progression (en outre, par ailleurs, de surcroît)

Q: What level is Advanced Connectors: Expansion & Progression (en outre, par ailleurs, de surcroît)?

This lesson is designed for B2 learners and can still help a learner revising the topic at another level.

Elevating formal compositions by stacking layered points using advanced transitional devices.

Level B2 Category Grammar

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Lesson Summary

Elevating formal compositions by stacking layered points using advanced transitional devices.

Grammar

Adding and Expanding Points Formally

The basic addition connectors de plus and aussi are used in everyday French. In formal writing — reports, essays, business correspondence — more precise connectors are required to add information or introduce a related point. The three essential ones are en outre, par ailleurs, and de surcroît.

Key Expansion Connectors

Connector	Meaning	Usage	Example
en outre	furthermore / moreover	Adds a formal, weighty point, often at the start of a sentence.	L’accord prévoit une réduction des coûts. En outre, il fixe des objectifs de qualité.
par ailleurs	besides / moreover / on another note	Introduces a related but distinct argument or topic.	Le projet est rentable. Par ailleurs, il respecte les normes environnementales.
de surcroît	in addition / what is more (stresses accumulation)	Reinforces the previous point, often with the nuance of ‘on top of that’.	Le logiciel est rapide et, de surcroît, il est gratuit.

Position and Punctuation

En outre and par ailleurs are usually placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. They can also appear after the verb in formal constructions. De surcroît often occurs in the middle of a sentence, between commas, or at the end. The connector par ailleurs must not be confused with d’ailleurs (which means “by the way” or “indeed”). These connectors belong to formal and professional registers and are rarely used in casual conversation.

Examples

La fusion des deux services permettra des économies d'échelle. En outre, elle facilitera la coordination des projets.
The connector en outre adds a formal additional point.
Le nouveau contrat garantit une hausse des salaires. Par ailleurs, il améliore les conditions de travail. De surcroît, il prévoit une prime de fin d'année.
The sequence par ailleurs and de surcroît layers two extra arguments.

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These are the main phrases this lesson covers:

Advanced Connectors: Expansion & Progression (en outre, par ailleurs, de surcroît)Elevating formal compositions by stacking layered points using advanced transitional devices.Enhance the density and impact of written arguments by utilising sophisticated expansion transitions.GrammarB2grammarLearn French GrammarFrench GrammarAdding and Expanding Points FormallyThe basic addition connectors de plus and aussi are used in everyday French. In formal writing — reports, essays, business correspondence — more precise connectors are required to add information or introduce a related point. The three essential ones are en outre, par ailleurs, and de surcroît.