What is more means “in addition” or “and even more importantly”. It adds another point in the same direction, and this point is usually stronger or more surprising than the one before. In speech and in friendly messages, it is shortened to what's more.
How would you use what is more?
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Sentence. What is more, + stronger point; clause; what is more, + clause; clause, and what's more, + clause (speech)
- The new gym is five minutes from my office. What is more, it opens at six in the morning.
- Online courses usually cost less than classroom ones; what is more, students can study at their own pace.
- The concert was sold out, and what's more, the band played for almost three hours.
What changed
First versionThe course covers grammar and vocabulary. Except this, it includes weekly speaking practice.
RevisionThe course covers grammar and vocabulary. What is more, it includes weekly speaking practice.
Except this can look like a way of saying “in addition to this”. But except means “not including”: it takes something out of a list rather than adding to it. Here the course gains one more advantage, so except this was replaced with What is more.
The short form what's more sounds conversational, and in speech it often comes after and: It's cheap, and what's more, it's right next to the station. In an essay, write the full form What is more, or use moreover or furthermore, which sound more formal.
Your turn
My old laptop is slow and the battery lasts about an hour. ___, the screen has started to flicker.
Show the answer
What is more — All three facts show that it is time to replace the laptop: it is slow, the battery lasts an hour, and now the screen flickers too. Another drawback in the same direction is added with What is more. Even so goes before something that happens despite what was said, for example: Even so, I'm not ready to buy a new one.
Write to a friend recommending a café, restaurant or hotel you have been to. Name the place and one good thing about it, then add a second one with what's more.
You should try Luigi's on Park Street: the pizza is excellent, and what's more, it's half price on Mondays.
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