In 15 Seconds
- Used to add extra information or a new point.
- Equivalent to 'furthermore' or 'moreover' in English.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or formal contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used to add an extra point or piece of information to what you just said. It's like saying 'and another thing' or 'plus' but in a much more polished and professional way.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a new car
هذه السيارة سريعة، وعلاوة على ذلك، فهي موفرة للوقود.
This car is fast, and furthermore, it is fuel-efficient.
A business meeting about a project
المشروع سيحقق أرباحاً كبيرة، وعلاوة على ذلك، سيوفر فرص عمل جديدة.
The project will achieve great profits; furthermore, it will provide new job opportunities.
Complaining about a bad restaurant experience
الطعام كان بارداً، وعلاوة على ذلك، كانت الخدمة سيئة جداً.
The food was cold, and furthermore, the service was very bad.
Cultural Background
The phrase is rooted in Classical Arabic and reflects a culture that prizes structured, poetic, and persuasive speech. It transitioned from high literature into modern media and professional discourse, becoming a hallmark of an educated speaker. In many Arab countries, using such connectors in a meeting signals authority and intellectual preparation.
The Power Move
Use this in a negotiation when you want to add a final, winning argument. It sounds very decisive.
Don't Overdo It
If you use it three times in one minute, you'll sound like a textbook. Mix it up with `أيضاً` (also).
In 15 Seconds
- Used to add extra information or a new point.
- Equivalent to 'furthermore' or 'moreover' in English.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or formal contexts.
What It Means
علاوة على ذلك is your go-to bridge for adding information. It signals to your listener that you aren't done yet. You have more evidence or another point to make. It functions exactly like 'furthermore' or 'moreover' in English. It helps your speech flow smoothly from one idea to the next. Think of it as a logical 'plus' sign for your sentences.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a new sentence. You can also use it after a comma to link two ideas. It connects two related thoughts that support the same point. For example, if you are praising a hotel, mention the view. Then use علاوة على ذلك to mention the breakfast. It builds a stronger case for whatever you are talking about.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound organized and persuasive. It is perfect for work emails or business presentations. You will see it constantly in news reports and academic articles. It is great for debates or when explaining a complex opinion. It makes you sound like someone who has thought their points through. Use it when you want to impress your boss or teacher.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in very casual, rapid-fire text messages. If you tell a friend 'I'm tired, furthermore I'm hungry,' you'll sound like a robot. Don't use it if the two points aren't related. It needs a logical connection to the previous sentence. If you use it too much in one paragraph, it gets repetitive. Save it for your strongest 'extra' point to make an impact.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from the root علو which relates to height or being above. In Arabic culture, eloquence and 'Bayan' (clarity of speech) are highly valued. Using precise connectors like this shows you have a good command of the language. It reflects the formal tradition of Arabic rhetoric. It has been a staple of formal writing for centuries.
Common Variations
You might hear بالإضافة إلى ذلك which means 'in addition to that.' Another common one is فضلاً عن ذلك which translates to 'let alone that' or 'moreover.' زيادة على ذلك is also used and is very literal. All of these perform similar roles in a conversation. However, علاوة على ذلك remains one of the most elegant choices for formal settings.
Usage Notes
This is a B2-level connector primarily used in formal writing, news, and professional environments. It is a 'transition word' that helps achieve cohesion in speech. While rare in casual street slang, it is essential for anyone looking to work or study in an Arabic-speaking environment.
The Power Move
Use this in a negotiation when you want to add a final, winning argument. It sounds very decisive.
Don't Overdo It
If you use it three times in one minute, you'll sound like a textbook. Mix it up with `أيضاً` (also).
The Root Secret
The word `علاوة` (Alawah) actually means 'a bonus' or 'premium' in modern business Arabic. It's literally a 'bonus' point!
Examples
6هذه السيارة سريعة، وعلاوة على ذلك، فهي موفرة للوقود.
This car is fast, and furthermore, it is fuel-efficient.
Used here to add a second positive attribute to the car.
المشروع سيحقق أرباحاً كبيرة، وعلاوة على ذلك، سيوفر فرص عمل جديدة.
The project will achieve great profits; furthermore, it will provide new job opportunities.
Adds a social benefit to a financial benefit in a professional setting.
الطعام كان بارداً، وعلاوة على ذلك، كانت الخدمة سيئة جداً.
The food was cold, and furthermore, the service was very bad.
Used to pile on complaints to emphasize disappointment.
لا أستطيع المجيء لأنني متعب، وعلاوة على ذلك، لدي الكثير من العمل.
I can't come because I'm tired, and furthermore, I have a lot of work.
The formal phrase makes the excuse sound more 'serious' or jokingly dramatic.
لقد كنت معلماً رائعاً، وعلاوة على ذلك، كنت صديقاً مخلصاً.
You have been a wonderful teacher, and furthermore, you were a loyal friend.
Adds a personal layer to a professional compliment.
ترتفع درجات الحرارة عالمياً، وعلاوة على ذلك، تذوب الثلوج في القطبين.
Global temperatures are rising, and furthermore, the ice at the poles is melting.
Standard academic usage to link two scientific facts.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence in a formal report.
الخطة الجديدة توفر الوقت، ___ فهي تقلل التكاليف.
`علاوة على ذلك` is the only formal connector here that adds a new point.
Which phrase fits best when adding a second reason for being late?
تأخرت بسبب الزحام، ___ نسيت مفاتيحي في البيت.
This phrase correctly links the two reasons for being late.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'علاوة على ذلك'
Using 'and' (و) or 'plus' (وكمان)
وكمان...
Standard 'In addition'
بالإضافة لذلك
Polished connector for writing/speech
علاوة على ذلك
Classical or legal texts
فضلاً عما تقدم
Where to use 'علاوة على ذلك'
News Broadcast
Reporting additional facts
Job Interview
Listing your skills
University Essay
Connecting arguments
Formal Email
Adding points to a request
Practice Bank
2 exercisesالخطة الجديدة توفر الوقت، ___ فهي تقلل التكاليف.
`علاوة على ذلك` is the only formal connector here that adds a new point.
تأخرت بسبب الزحام، ___ نسيت مفاتيحي في البيت.
This phrase correctly links the two reasons for being late.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt means 'furthermore' or 'moreover.' It is used to add more information to a previous statement.
It is a bit formal for close friends. Use وكمان (and also) for a more relaxed vibe.
Usually at the beginning of a sentence or after a conjunction like و (and). For example: ...، وعلاوة على ذلك، ....
Yes, it is perfect for academic writing. It helps organize your arguments logically.
أيضاً means 'also' and is shorter. علاوة على ذلك is more formal and emphasizes the addition more strongly.
No, it is a fixed expression. You don't need to change it based on gender or number.
It is understood everywhere because it's Modern Standard Arabic. However, people mostly use it in formal speech or writing.
Using it to start a conversation. You must have a previous sentence to 'add' onto.
Yes! You can use it to stack complaints, like كان الجو حاراً، وعلاوة على ذلك، تعطل المكيف.
Yes, they are almost identical in meaning. علاوة على ذلك feels slightly more sophisticated.
By itself, it can mean an 'increase' or a 'bonus' on a salary. It implies something extra.
Related Phrases
بالإضافة إلى ذلك
فضلاً عن ذلك
زيادة على ذلك
إلى جانب ذلك
كذلك
