Why you should not use furthermore
“Furthermore” is used to add something more to the conversation. However, in my view and experience, “furthermore” sounds formal and when hearing someone say it, does not sound like natural speech. It is a word that, in my view, is commonly used in formal written English, such as certain books or science papers.
Please keep in mind that this is just my opinion and in no way a definitive answer. This is from my background and experience. Admittedly, my background is of a working-class, basic education, broken English family. “Furthermore” was never used around me. However, my first full-time job was for a law firm of solicitors. I believe almost everyone at the firm was university educated. With the exception of the sixty-year old internal postman from Ireland – a comical character, and a manager who had been there since the beginning. Apologies, that was a sidetrack. To my recollection, “furthermore” was rarely used in the office, only in their written correspondence was it used a lot.
As an alternative but still in a formal context, you could substitute ‘furthermore’ for ‘in addition’.
there’s more
For everyday conversation you could try using the following phrases.
“What’s more …” and “Not only that, …”
In my opinion, you can use them both the same. However, I am inclined to associate “what’s more” with some who is well-spoken (speaks good English). And would associate “not only that” with some who is more ‘common’. Though, again, this is just my perspective. My background is common and we always used “not only that.” Where as “what’s more” was only heard among people of better language or education.
Not only that, you can also use ‘there’s more’ when explaining things in more detail. Something like; explaining the health benefits of something; telling a story; explaining a process.
Try them next time you practice speaking English.
I am not actually saying you should not use ‘furthermore’. Of course use it if you wish to practice it. Just informing you that “one would usually use it within one’s correspondence,” to be formal.
Here are some examples:
example ONE
When you gamble there is a high chance of losing. Not only that, it is also addictive.
example TWO
Changing how you view the world, can change how you behave in the world. Not only that, it will change your everyday feelings in life. And not only that, it can have a positive effect on your mental health as well as your physical health. And what’s more, your positivity will reflect off of other people.* And finally, it will become contagious in the world.
*this phrase is particularly tricky with ‘fl”, ‘ff’, ‘v’ and ‘th’ voiced.
example THREE
If you save ten percent of your salary, earnings, income, you will see how quickly your saving can accumulate. What’s more, you won’t even notice the ten percent is gone each time.
practice exercises
first
Talk about your week, or weekend. Every time you add something more to your list of things, use the phrases, “what’s more,” and, “not only that.”
*Note: we would not usually use it so much in one speech. However, to practice, we can use it every time.
second
Talk about the benefits of something. Choose your topic; exercise; reading; meditation; education; love.
Use the phrases in the same way. When you add something more, use, “what’s more,” and, “not only that.”
*when you get excited about the final big benefit – save the best til last – you can use, “wait! there’s more. …“
third
Talk about the pit-falls (possible risks) of something. Choose your topic; social media; video games; celebrities.
Use the phrases in the same way. When you add something more, use, “what’s more,” and, “not only that.”
*when you feel passionate or concerned about the dangers, use “wait! there’s more. …” with a little anger, please.
