Meaning
Furthermore, in addition to that.
Cultural Background
In France, using 'qui plus est' in a job interview or a formal letter is seen as a sign of high education and 'maîtrise de la langue'. It is part of the 'code' of the French elite. While understood, 'qui plus est' is less frequent in daily Quebecois French, where 'en plus' or 'de plus' are preferred. It remains a marker of high-level journalism in Radio-Canada. In formal West African French (Senegal, Ivory Coast), the use of high-register connectors is very common in administrative and political discourse, reflecting a heritage of classical French education. In the world of French 'Grandes Écoles', the 'dissertation' is a sacred exercise. 'Qui plus est' is one of the 'mots de liaison' that students are encouraged to use to show logical progression.
The Comma Rule
Always wrap 'qui plus est' in commas. It makes your writing look professional and helps with the rhythm of the sentence.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'qui plus sont'. Even if you are talking about ten people, the phrase stays 'qui plus est'.
Meaning
Furthermore, in addition to that.
The Comma Rule
Always wrap 'qui plus est' in commas. It makes your writing look professional and helps with the rhythm of the sentence.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'qui plus sont'. Even if you are talking about ten people, the phrase stays 'qui plus est'.
The 'Mic Drop'
Save this phrase for your strongest argument. If you use it for a weak point, it loses its power.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct formal connector.
Il a refusé de s'excuser et, ___ plus est, il a recommencé.
The fixed expression is 'qui plus est'.
Which sentence uses 'qui plus est' correctly?
Select the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to add a stronger positive quality in a formal structure.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Le nouveau patron est très strict. B: Oui, et ________, il ne connaît rien au métier !
'Qui plus est' fits the formal/neutral tone of the complaint about a boss.
Match the sentence to the most likely context.
Sentence: 'L'accusé était présent sur les lieux et, qui plus est, il était armé.'
The formal and intensifying nature of the phrase is perfect for legal or police contexts.
Match the register to the sentence.
Pairs:
The use of 'qui plus est' automatically elevates the register to formal.
Add the missing commas to this sentence (mentally or in writing).
C'est un vin délicieux ___ qui plus est ___ très abordable.
'Qui plus est' is almost always used as a parenthetical element set off by commas.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
6 exercisesIl a refusé de s'excuser et, ___ plus est, il a recommencé.
The fixed expression is 'qui plus est'.
Select the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to add a stronger positive quality in a formal structure.
A: Le nouveau patron est très strict. B: Oui, et ________, il ne connaît rien au métier !
'Qui plus est' fits the formal/neutral tone of the complaint about a boss.
Sentence: 'L'accusé était présent sur les lieux et, qui plus est, il était armé.'
The formal and intensifying nature of the phrase is perfect for legal or police contexts.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The use of 'qui plus est' automatically elevates the register to formal.
C'est un vin délicieux ___ qui plus est ___ très abordable.
'Qui plus est' is almost always used as a parenthetical element set off by commas.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but it's usually preceded by 'Et'. For example: 'Et qui plus est, il ne nous a pas prévenus.' Starting with just 'Qui plus est' is very rare and literary.
It is always 'qui plus est'. 'Ce qui plus est' is grammatically incorrect in modern French.
Yes, it is pronounced as a 'z' because of the liaison with 'est'. /ki ply.z‿ɛ/.
Only if you want to sound very formal or ironic. It's like saying 'furthermore' in a text to a friend.
'En outre' is just 'in addition'. 'Qui plus est' adds the idea that the new point is even more important.
Yes, in formal speeches, presentations, or serious debates.
Absolutely. 'Il est méchant et, qui plus est, menteur.'
Yes, 'qui plus est' is more common than 'de surcroît', which is extremely formal.
No, that doesn't exist. You would say 'qui plus est' even if the point is negative.
It's an adverbial locution that functions like a connector.
The best translations are 'what is more', 'furthermore', or 'moreover'.
Yes, very much so. It's great for reports and meetings.
Yes. 'Un homme riche, qui plus est généreux.'
It's formal, but not 'old-fashioned'. It's still used every day in high-level French.
Related Phrases
En outre
synonymFurthermore
De surcroît
similarMoreover / As a bonus
Par ailleurs
similarIn addition / From another perspective
Qui mieux est
similarWhat is even better
A fortiori
builds onWith even stronger reason
