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A2 noun 10 min read

en plus

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips en plus in 30 Seconds

Explanation en plus in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'en plus' is introduced as a simple way to add information, much like 'and also' in English. Students learn to use it to link two simple ideas. For example, 'J'aime le café et en plus j'aime le thé.' It is one of the first logical connectors learners acquire because it is easy to remember and very useful for extending basic sentences. At this stage, learners focus on the basic meaning of 'addition' and the pronunciation of the final 's', which is essential for being understood. They also learn to use it at the end of a sentence to mean 'extra,' like in 'deux euros en plus.' It helps them move beyond single-clause sentences to more complex thoughts, even if the grammar remains simple. Teachers often use it to encourage students to say more during speaking exercises. It's a 'safety' phrase that allows a beginner to keep talking.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'en plus' to organize their thoughts more effectively. They understand that it can start a sentence or follow 'et.' They also learn the prepositional form 'en plus de,' which allows them to say things like 'En plus de la pomme, je mange une orange.' This level introduces the nuance of 'moreover' or 'besides,' where the second point added is often more significant than the first. A2 students use 'en plus' to express opinions more clearly, especially when complaining or justifying a choice. They start to distinguish it from 'aussi' (also), realizing that 'en plus' often adds a layer of emphasis or surprise. The concept of 'un plus' as a noun (a bonus) is also introduced here, particularly in the context of describing skills or advantages in simple scenarios like job descriptions or travel plans.

At the B1 level, the use of 'en plus' becomes more natural and fluid. Learners use it to structure longer narratives and arguments. They are expected to use 'en plus' to add weight to their points in debates or discussions. For example, instead of just listing facts, a B1 student might use 'en plus' to introduce a compelling piece of evidence. They also begin to recognize the difference in register between 'en plus' and 'de plus,' choosing the latter for written assignments. B1 learners use 'en plus' with infinitives ('en plus d'étudier...') and are comfortable with its placement at the end of a sentence for emphasis. They also start to use it ironically or to express indignation, mimicking native speech patterns. At this stage, the focus shifts from just 'adding' to 'strategically adding' to influence the listener or reader.

At the B2 level, 'en plus' is used with sophisticated nuance. Learners understand its rhetorical power to signal a climax or a 'final straw.' They can use it to build complex arguments where each point is layered purposefully. B2 students are also aware of the potential for redundancy and know when to swap 'en plus' for more formal connectors like 'en outre' or 'par ailleurs' in formal writing. They use 'en plus' to manage the flow of conversation, using it as a transition that maintains the listener's interest. In terms of comprehension, B2 learners can detect the subtle tones of voice that change the meaning of 'en plus'—from a simple addition to a sarcastic remark. They also use the noun 'un plus' in professional contexts to discuss competitive advantages and value propositions with confidence and correct grammar.

At the C1 level, 'en plus' is part of a vast arsenal of connectors. The learner uses it with precise control over tone and register. They can use it in rapid-fire speech to maintain a complex line of reasoning without losing their place. C1 learners are adept at using 'en plus' in conjunction with other advanced structures, such as the subjunctive or conditional, to create nuanced hypothetical scenarios. They also understand the historical and etymological roots of the phrase, allowing them to appreciate its use in literature and classical cinema. At this level, the focus is on stylistic variety; a C1 speaker knows exactly when 'en plus' is the most effective choice and when it should be replaced by something more obscure like 'de surcroît' to achieve a specific stylistic effect. They also use it to navigate delicate social situations, using the emphasis it provides to clarify their position without being blunt.

At the C2 level, 'en plus' is used with the mastery of a native speaker. The learner can play with the phrase, using it in wordplay, puns, or highly idiomatic expressions. They have a deep understanding of its rhythmic role in French prose and speech. A C2 speaker might use 'en plus' to subtly subvert expectations or to add a layer of sophisticated irony to a critique. They are comfortable using it in any context, from a casual street conversation to a high-level academic lecture, always adjusting the surrounding syntax to match the register. Their use of 'en plus de' with complex noun phrases or perfect infinitives is flawless. At this level, 'en plus' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a flexible tool for linguistic precision, used to weave together intricate thoughts and emotions with seamless ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

en plus in 30 Seconds

En plus is a versatile connector meaning 'in addition' or 'moreover,' used to layer information or arguments in French conversation.
It can function as a noun ('un plus'), meaning an advantage, or as a quantitative modifier meaning 'extra' or 'more.'
In the phrase 'en plus,' the final 's' is pronounced (/plys/), which is crucial for correct communication and sounding natural.
The structure 'en plus de' followed by a noun or infinitive is a common way to introduce supplementary ideas at the start of a sentence.

The French expression en plus is a versatile adverbial phrase that translates primarily to 'in addition,' 'moreover,' or 'besides.' At its core, it is used to layer information, adding a new point to a previous statement. However, its usage goes far beyond simple addition; it often carries a rhetorical weight, signaling that the next point is even more important, surprising, or aggravating than the last. For English speakers, it functions similarly to 'what's more' or 'on top of that.' In casual conversation, it is frequently used to complain or emphasize a sequence of events. For example, if you missed your bus and then it started to rain, you would use en plus to highlight the misfortune of the rain.

Additive Usage: Used to list items or qualities without necessarily implying a positive or negative bias. 'Il est intelligent, et en plus, il est très gentil.'
Emphatic Usage: Used to introduce a point that is more significant than the previous ones. 'Elle a gagné le match, et en plus, elle a battu le record du monde!'

J'ai oublié mes clés, et en plus, il commence à pleuvoir.

Technically, en plus can also function as a noun phrase in the form 'un plus,' meaning 'a bonus' or 'an advantage.' In professional contexts, having a specific skill might be described as 'un vrai plus' (a real asset). This distinction is important: as an adverbial phrase, it adds information; as a noun, it describes the value of that information. Understanding the rhythm of en plus is key to sounding natural in French. It often appears at the beginning of a clause or at the very end of a sentence for dramatic effect. In spoken French, the 's' in 'plus' is almost always pronounced as /s/ in this specific phrase, which distinguishes it from some other uses of 'plus' where the 's' remains silent.

In more formal writing, you might encounter 'de plus' or 'en outre,' which serve similar functions but lack the conversational punch of en plus. While 'de plus' is standard for essays, en plus is the king of daily interactions. It can also be used to mean 'extra' or 'more' in a quantitative sense, such as 'cinq euros en plus' (five extra euros). This flexibility makes it one of the most frequently used connectors in the French language. Whether you are adding an ingredient to a recipe or adding an insult to an injury, en plus is the go-to tool for extension and emphasis.

Integrating en plus into your sentences requires an understanding of its position and the nuance it brings. Most commonly, it acts as a connector between two independent clauses. When used this way, it is usually preceded by a comma or the conjunction 'et.' For instance, 'Le restaurant est cher, et en plus, la nourriture n'est pas bonne.' Here, it acts as a logical bridge that intensifies the speaker's dissatisfaction. It can also stand alone at the beginning of a sentence to provide further justification or evidence for a previous statement. 'En plus, je n'ai pas le temps de t'aider ce soir.'

Sentence Initial: 'En plus, il ne m'a même pas rappelé.' (Moreover, he didn't even call me back.)
Sentence Final: 'Il a plu toute la journée, et il y avait du vent en plus.' (It rained all day, and there was wind besides.)

C'est un excellent travail, et fait avec le sourire en plus !

When en plus is used quantitatively, it usually follows the noun or the amount it modifies. For example, 'Voulez-vous du sucre en plus ?' (Do you want extra sugar?) or 'Il me faut dix minutes en plus.' (I need ten more minutes.) In these cases, it doesn't function as a transition word but as an adjective-like phrase modifying quantity. This is a common trap for beginners who might try to place it before the noun as they would with 'extra' in English. Remember: in French, the 'additional' part usually follows the thing being added. This structure is very stable and rarely changes regardless of the formality of the situation.

Another important structural use is the combination 'en plus de' + noun or infinitive. This allows you to introduce the additional element at the start of the thought. 'En plus d'être beau, il est intelligent.' (In addition to being handsome, he is intelligent.) This construction is very elegant and helps vary sentence structure, moving away from simple 'et... et...' patterns. It requires the preposition 'de,' which contracts to 'd'' before a vowel. Mastering this specific pattern will significantly elevate your French from a basic A2 level to a more fluid B1/B2 level of expression.

You will hear en plus everywhere in the Francophone world—from the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet cafés of Quebec. It is perhaps one of the most 'audible' connectors because of the sharp /s/ sound at the end, which French speakers often emphasize when they are making a point. In everyday conversations, it acts as a verbal filler that gives the speaker time to think while signaling that they aren't finished with their list of points. If you listen to a French person recounting a bad day or a complicated story, you will likely hear en plus repeated several times as they stack their arguments or complaints.

In Customer Service: 'Il y a des frais de dossier en plus.' (There are additional processing fees.)
In Arguments: 'Tu as tort, et en plus, tu cries !' (You're wrong, and what's more, you're shouting!)

Mais en plus, je n'ai même pas fini mon café !

In the media, talk show hosts and journalists use en plus to pivot to a new piece of evidence or to press a guest for more information. It has a slightly informal but perfectly acceptable tone for television and radio. In movies and series, characters use it to express indignation or surprise. It is a key component of the 'French attitude'—that ability to layer observations with a touch of irony or frustration. If you want to sound like a local, pay attention to the intonation. A rising pitch on the 'plus' often indicates that the speaker is building up to a climax in their story.

In professional settings, particularly in marketing or sales, you'll hear it used as a noun: 'C'est un plus pour votre CV.' Here, it translates to 'an asset' or 'a bonus.' This usage is very common in job interviews and performance reviews. It suggests that a quality is not just present, but adds significant value. Whether it's used as a connector to complain about a late train or as a noun to praise a colleague's bilingualism, en plus is a linguistic workhorse that bridges the gap between simple communication and expressive storytelling.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with en plus is the pronunciation of the 's'. In many French phrases involving 'plus' (like 'plus de' in a negative sentence), the 's' is silent. However, in the phrase en plus, the 's' is almost always pronounced (/plys/). Failing to pronounce the 's' can make the phrase sound like 'en plu,' which might be confused with 'en pluie' (in rain) or simply sound like an incomplete thought. Always remember: when you are adding something, the 's' is your friend.

The 'De' Omission: Incorrect: 'En plus mon travail...' | Correct: 'En plus de mon travail...' (You must use 'de' when followed by a noun.)
Word Order with Adjectives: Incorrect: 'J'ai en plus informations.' | Correct: 'J'ai des informations en plus.' (Quantitative 'en plus' usually follows the noun.)

Attention : Ne dites pas 'plus en plus' pour dire 'more and more'. Dites de plus en plus.

Another common error is confusing en plus with de plus. While they are often interchangeable in terms of meaning, they differ in register. Using en plus in a very formal academic essay can be seen as too colloquial. Conversely, using de plus in a casual chat with friends can sound overly stiff. Learners also struggle with the 'en plus de' construction, often forgetting to use the infinitive after the preposition. For example, saying 'En plus de je mange' instead of 'En plus de manger' (In addition to eating). Prepositions in French are almost always followed by the infinitive, not a conjugated verb.

Finally, be careful with the placement of en plus when it means 'extra.' In English, we say 'five extra minutes,' but in French, it is 'cinq minutes en plus.' Beginners often try to translate word-for-word, resulting in 'en plus cinq minutes,' which is grammatically incorrect. Similarly, don't confuse en plus with de plus en plus (more and more). The latter describes a progression over time, while the former simply adds a static piece of information. Keeping these distinctions in mind will prevent the most common 'Anglicisms' from creeping into your French.

While en plus is incredibly common, French offers a rich variety of alternatives that can help you sound more precise or formal depending on the context. The most direct formal equivalent is de plus. It is the standard connector for essays and business reports. Another academic alternative is en outre, which translates to 'furthermore' or 'moreover.' It is quite literary and rarely used in speech. If you want to say 'besides' in the sense of 'apart from,' you might use d'ailleurs, though this often introduces a slightly different or tangential thought rather than a direct addition.

De plus vs. En plus: 'De plus' is for writing; 'en plus' is for speaking. Both mean 'moreover.'
Par ailleurs: Translates to 'furthermore' or 'in other respects.' Used to shift to a new but related topic.

Il est doué en maths ; en outre, il parle trois langues.

For simple addition, aussi (also) or également (also/equally) are frequent choices. Également is slightly more formal than aussi. If you are adding a final, clinching argument, you might use qui plus est (what is more), which is very emphatic and elegant. On the other hand, if you are adding something negative that 'tops it all off,' the idiom pour couronner le tout (to top it all off) is a fantastic alternative to en plus. It adds a layer of irony or frustration that simple connectors cannot achieve.

When en plus is used to mean 'extra,' you can sometimes replace it with supplémentaire (additional). For example, 'une aide supplémentaire' instead of 'de l'aide en plus.' The word supplémentaire is an adjective and follows the noun. In the context of a bonus or advantage (the noun 'un plus'), you might use un atout (an asset) or un avantage (an advantage). By varying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can tailor your message to your audience and avoid the repetitive use of en plus, which can become a verbal tic for some learners.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 's' in 'plus' used to be pronounced in all contexts in Old French. Over time, it became silent in many positions, but 'en plus' is one of the survivors where the 's' remains vocalized to ensure clarity of the additive meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɑ̃ plys/

US /ɑ̃ plys/

The stress is typically on the final syllable 'plus'.

Rhymes With

Bus Minus Puce Astuce Focus Rictus Terminus Cactus

Common Errors

Silent 's': Many learners forget to pronounce the 's', making it sound like 'en plu'.
English 'u': Pronouncing the 'u' as 'oo' instead of the French 'u' sound (/y/).
Non-nasal 'en': Pronouncing the 'n' clearly as in 'pen' instead of using the nasal vowel.
Over-emphasizing 'en': The phrase should flow as one unit, not two separate words.
Confusing with 'en pluie': Poor vowel clarity can make it sound like 'in rain'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a connector.

Writing 2/5

Requires care with placement and the use of 'de'.

Speaking 3/5

The final 's' pronunciation is a common hurdle for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, but can be spoken very quickly in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Et Aussi Plus Avec De

Learn Next

En outre D'ailleurs Par ailleurs Cependant Pourtant

Advanced

De surcroît Qui plus est Nonobstant Subséquemment Corrélativement

Grammar to Know

Pronunciation of 'Plus'

In 'en plus', the 's' is heard. In 'je n'en veux plus', the 's' is silent.

Prepositional 'En plus de'

'En plus de manger' (In addition to eating) uses the infinitive.

Placement of Quantitative 'En plus'

'Deux euros en plus' (Two extra euros) - it follows the noun/amount.

Contraction with 'de'

'En plus d'une pomme' (In addition to an apple) - 'de' becomes 'd''.

Coordination with 'Et'

'Il est beau et en plus il est riche' - 'et' often precedes 'en plus'.

Examples by Level

J'ai un chien et en plus un chat.

I have a dog and in addition a cat.

Simple addition of nouns.

Il fait beau et en plus il fait chaud.

It's beautiful and moreover it's warm.

Connecting two weather descriptions.

Je veux un café et un croissant en plus.

I want a coffee and an extra croissant.

Quantitative use at the end of the sentence.

Elle est grande et en plus elle est rapide.

She is tall and besides she is fast.

Adding a quality to a person.

C'est gratuit et en plus c'est facile.

It's free and moreover it's easy.

Connecting two positive attributes.

J'ai dix euros en plus.

I have ten extra euros.

'En plus' follows the amount.

En plus, j'aime le chocolat.

Besides, I like chocolate.

Sentence-initial use for a simple fact.

Il y a du fromage et du pain en plus.

There is cheese and extra bread.

Adding a noun at the end.

En plus de la pomme, j'ai pris une poire.

In addition to the apple, I took a pear.

Use of 'en plus de' + noun.

Il est en retard, et en plus il a oublié son sac.

He is late, and moreover he forgot his bag.

Connecting two negative events.

Cette voiture est belle et en plus elle est économique.

This car is beautiful and besides it is economical.

Emphasizing a positive feature.

Tu veux un peu de sucre en plus ?

Do you want a little extra sugar?

Interrogative quantitative use.

En plus, ce n'est pas loin d'ici.

Besides, it's not far from here.

Introducing a justifying argument.

C'est un vrai plus pour ton projet.

It's a real plus for your project.

Noun use 'un plus'.

Il parle anglais et en plus il apprend le français.

He speaks English and in addition he is learning French.

Adding a progressive action.

J'ai besoin d'une chaise en plus.

I need one extra chair.

Quantitative use with a countable noun.

En plus d'être gentil, il est extrêmement compétent.

In addition to being kind, he is extremely competent.

'En plus d' + infinitive.

Le film était long, et en plus la fin était décevante.

The movie was long, and moreover the ending was disappointing.

Adding a critical point.

Il a plu tout le week-end, et il y avait du vent en plus.

It rained all weekend, and there was wind besides.

Sentence-final emphasis.

Elle a fini son travail en avance, et avec brio en plus !

She finished her work early, and brilliantly at that!

Adding an adverbial phrase of manner.

En plus, tu ne m'as même pas prévenu de ton arrivée.

Besides, you didn't even warn me of your arrival.

Expressing indignation.

C'est un avantage en plus que nous n'avions pas prévu.

It's an extra advantage that we hadn't foreseen.

Using 'en plus' to modify 'avantage'.

Il faut payer dix euros en plus pour le bagage.

You have to pay ten extra euros for the luggage.

Quantitative use in a formal context.

En plus de sa passion pour l'art, elle adore le sport.

In addition to her passion for art, she loves sport.

Linking two distinct interests.

En plus de la crise économique, le pays subit une sécheresse.

In addition to the economic crisis, the country is suffering a drought.

Linking two complex socio-political issues.

Il a refusé de s'excuser, et en plus il a menti sur les faits.

He refused to apologize, and what's more, he lied about the facts.

Building a logical argument of misconduct.

C'est un projet ambitieux, et réalisable en plus, si on s'en donne les moyens.

It's an ambitious project, and feasible too, if we give ourselves the means.

Adding a qualifying adjective with a conditional clause.

En plus d'avoir perdu ses clés, il a cassé son téléphone.

In addition to having lost his keys, he broke his phone.

'En plus d' + past infinitive.

L'offre est alléchante, et il y a une garantie de cinq ans en plus.

The offer is enticing, and there is a five-year warranty besides.

Reinforcing a sales pitch.

En plus, je ne vois pas pourquoi je devrais payer pour lui.

Besides, I don't see why I should pay for him.

Using 'en plus' to introduce a rhetorical question.

Sa maîtrise de l'arabe est un véritable plus pour ce poste.

His mastery of Arabic is a real asset for this position.

Noun use in a professional context.

Elle est déjà fatiguée, et en plus elle doit travailler tard.

She is already tired, and moreover she has to work late.

Adding a circumstantial burden.

En plus de l'aspect financier, il faut considérer l'impact écologique.

In addition to the financial aspect, the ecological impact must be considered.

Introducing a multi-faceted analytical point.

Il est arrogant, et en plus il manque cruellement de discernement.

He is arrogant, and what's more, he cruelly lacks judgment.

Using 'en plus' for character analysis.

L'auteur utilise des métaphores filées, et en plus il joue sur les sonorités.

The author uses extended metaphors, and besides, he plays with sounds.

Literary analysis.

En plus d'être une erreur stratégique, c'est une faute morale.

Besides being a strategic error, it is a moral fault.

Categorizing an action in two different domains.

Elle a dû gérer le conflit, et avec une diplomatie exemplaire en plus.

She had to manage the conflict, and with exemplary diplomacy at that.

Emphasizing the quality of an action.

En plus, rien ne prouve que cette théorie soit exacte.

Moreover, nothing proves that this theory is accurate.

Using 'en plus' to introduce a fundamental doubt.

C'est un investissement lourd, mais avec un retour rapide en plus.

It's a heavy investment, but with a quick return besides.

Counter-balancing a negative with a positive.

En plus de sa rareté, cette pierre possède des propriétés uniques.

In addition to its rarity, this stone possesses unique properties.

Describing complex attributes.

En plus de l'indicible douleur, il y avait ce sentiment d'abandon.

In addition to the unspeakable pain, there was this feeling of abandonment.

Exploring deep psychological states.

L'œuvre est d'une complexité rare, et d'une beauté saisissante en plus.

The work is of a rare complexity, and of a striking beauty besides.

Aesthetic evaluation.

En plus d'avoir révolutionné la physique, il était un grand humaniste.

Besides having revolutionized physics, he was a great humanist.

Summarizing a legacy.

La situation est précaire, et en plus le temps presse.

The situation is precarious, and moreover time is of the essence.

Urgent situational analysis.

C'est une prouesse technique, réalisée avec peu de moyens en plus.

It is a technical feat, achieved with few resources at that.

Highlighting the difficulty of an achievement.

En plus, l'ambiguïté de ses propos ne fait qu'ajouter à la confusion.

Moreover, the ambiguity of his words only adds to the confusion.

Analyzing communication nuances.

Sa nomination est un plus indéniable pour le rayonnement de l'institution.

His appointment is an undeniable asset for the institution's influence.

Formal noun use with an adjective.

En plus de son érudition, il fait preuve d'une grande humilité.

In addition to his erudition, he shows great humility.

Contrasting intellectual and personal qualities.

Common Collocations

Un petit plus

Dix minutes en plus

En plus de ça

Un vrai plus

Rien en plus

En plus de tout

Cinq euros en plus

Un plus indéniable

Tout en plus

En plus du reste

Common Phrases

Et en plus !

— Used as an exclamation to add a final, often negative or surprising, point.

Il est parti sans payer, et en plus, il a insulté le serveur !

En plus de...

— Used to introduce an additional item or action in the same sentence.

En plus de chanter, elle joue du piano.

Un plus pour...

— Used to describe something as an advantage for a specific goal or person.

Parler chinois est un plus pour ce travail.

Sans plus

— Means 'no more than that' or 'nothing special.'

Le film était bien, sans plus.

De plus en plus

— Means 'more and more,' indicating a progression.

Il fait de plus en plus froid.

Plus ou moins

— Means 'more or less' or 'approximately.'

C'est plus ou moins ce que je pensais.

En plus, c'est vrai !

— Used to insist that an additional, perhaps unbelievable, point is actually true.

J'ai vu un OVNI, et en plus, c'est vrai !

C'est un plus.

— A simple way to say 'It's a bonus' or 'It helps.'

Si vous avez le permis, c'est un plus.

Pas un mot en plus.

— A command to stop talking or to not add anything further.

Je ne veux pas entendre un mot en plus !

En plus de moi

— Used to include oneself in an addition.

Il y avait trois personnes en plus de moi.

Often Confused With

en plus vs Non plus

Means 'neither' or 'not either'. Used in negative sentences. 'Moi non plus' (Me neither).

en plus vs De plus en plus

Means 'more and more'. Refers to a gradual increase, not a simple addition.

en plus vs Plus que

Used for comparisons. 'Il est plus grand que moi' (He is taller than me).

Idioms & Expressions

"Pour couronner le tout"

— To top it all off, usually used when a series of bad events is followed by one final misfortune.

Il a perdu son travail et, pour couronner le tout, sa voiture est tombée en panne.

Neutral/Informal

"Cerise sur le gâteau"

— The cherry on the cake. Can be used positively (a final bonus) or sarcastically (a final problem).

On a gagné, et la cerise sur le gâteau, c'est qu'on a battu nos rivaux.

Informal

"Qui plus est"

— What is more / Furthermore. Adds an even stronger point to the previous ones.

Il est impoli et, qui plus est, il est paresseux.

Formal

"Avoir un petit plus"

— To have 'that little something extra' that makes someone or something special.

Cette actrice a un petit plus que les autres n'ont pas.

Informal

"En rajouter"

— To exaggerate or to add unnecessary details/drama.

Tu n'as pas besoin d'en rajouter, on a compris !

Informal

"Mettre son grain de sel"

— To add one's two cents, often when it's not wanted.

Il faut toujours qu'il mette son grain de sel en plus.

Informal

"C'est le pompon !"

— That's the limit! / That's the last straw! (Similar to 'en plus' in a negative list).

Et maintenant il pleut ? C'est le pompon !

Old-fashioned/Informal

"Un de plus"

— One more (often implying 'yet another one' in a weary tone).

Encore un problème de plus !

Neutral

"De surcroît"

— Moreover, as an added extra.

Il est talentueux et, de surcroît, très modeste.

Formal

"Sans compter que"

— Not to mention that / Besides the fact that.

C'est trop cher, sans compter que c'est moche.

Neutral

Easily Confused

en plus vs Aussi

Both add information.

Aussi is neutral and usually follows the verb. En plus is more emphatic and often starts or ends a clause.

Il vient aussi. / Il vient, et en plus il apporte du vin.

en plus vs D'ailleurs

Both translate to 'besides'.

D'ailleurs provides a side-note or justification. En plus adds a new, often stronger, point.

Je ne sors pas, d'ailleurs j'ai sommeil. / Je ne sors pas, et en plus j'ai du travail.

en plus vs En outre

Both mean 'moreover'.

En outre is strictly formal/literary. En plus is common in speech.

En outre, le traité fut signé. / En plus, il a plu.

en plus vs Supplémentaire

Both mean 'extra'.

Supplémentaire is an adjective. En plus is an adverbial phrase.

Une heure supplémentaire. / Une heure en plus.

en plus vs Par ailleurs

Both mean 'furthermore'.

Par ailleurs shifts to a different topic or perspective. En plus continues the same line of thought.

Par ailleurs, parlons du budget. / En plus, le budget est insuffisant.

Sentence Patterns

A et en plus B.

Il est gentil et en plus il est drôle.

En plus de [Noun], [Sentence].

En plus du pain, j'ai acheté du lait.

En plus d'être [Adjective], [Sentence].

En plus d'être intelligent, il est modeste.

[Sentence], [Amount] en plus.

Le trajet va durer vingt minutes en plus.

C'est un plus indéniable pour [Noun].

C'est un plus indéniable pour notre entreprise.

En plus d'avoir [Past Participle], [Sentence].

En plus d'avoir gagné, il a battu le record.

Mixed

Et en plus, [Sentence] !

Et en plus, il ne s'est pas excusé !

Mixed

Rien en plus.

Je n'ai plus rien en plus à vous dire.

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Silent 's' in 'en plus'. → Pronouncing the 's' (/plys/).
Learners often apply the rule for 'ne... plus' (silent s) to 'en plus'.
Saying 'en plus de je mange'. → Saying 'en plus de manger'.
Prepositions like 'de' must be followed by the infinitive, not a conjugated verb.
Word order: 'J'ai en plus cinq euros'. → J'ai cinq euros en plus.
Quantitative 'en plus' follows the noun it modifies.
Confusing 'en plus' with 'non plus'. → Using 'non plus' for 'neither'.
'En plus' adds, 'non plus' negates in agreement.
Using 'en plus' in a formal dissertation. → Using 'de plus' or 'en outre'.
'En plus' can be perceived as too conversational for high-level academic writing.

Tips

Hear the S

Always pronounce the 's' in 'en plus' to avoid confusion. It should sound like 'plusss'.

Formal vs Informal

In professional emails, try using 'de plus' or 'en outre' instead of 'en plus' to sound more polished.

Don't forget 'de'

When 'en plus' is followed by a noun, you must use 'de'. 'En plus de ça' is correct; 'En plus ça' is informal.

Use as a Noun

Remember that 'un plus' is a great way to describe a benefit or a bonus in a professional context.

End with Emphasis

Putting 'en plus' at the end of a sentence adds a lot of flavor to your speech. 'Il est riche, et sympa en plus !'

The 'Et' Signal

Listen for 'et en plus'—it's a signal that the speaker is about to give their strongest argument.

Infinitive Rule

After 'en plus de', always use the infinitive of the verb. 'En plus de manger' is the way to go.

The French Complainer

Use 'en plus' when you want to vent or complain like a local; it helps you list your grievances effectively.

Avoid 'Aussi' Overuse

If you feel you are saying 'aussi' too much, swap it for 'en plus' or 'également' to vary your speech.

Quantitative Order

When adding amounts, put 'en plus' last. 'Cinq minutes en plus' is the correct word order.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN PLUS' as 'AND PLUS'. It sounds similar and has the exact same function of adding something extra to your sentence.

Visual Association

Imagine a '+' sign inside a circle (the 'en' part). This visual represents adding something into a group or a thought.

Word Web

Addition Bonus Extra Moreover Besides Also Asset Furthermore

Challenge

Try to use 'en plus' three times in a single paragraph describing your favorite hobby, once as a connector and once to mean 'extra'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'in' (in) and 'plus' (more). The word 'plus' comes from the Old Latin 'pous,' related to the Greek 'polys' (many).

Original meaning: In a state of more or addition.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid overusing it in very formal academic writing where 'en outre' is preferred.

English speakers often use 'plus' as a conjunction ('I'm tired, plus I'm hungry'). French 'en plus' covers this but is more versatile.

Commonly heard in French stand-up comedy (e.g., Gad Elmaleh) to build up jokes. Frequent in French pop lyrics to list emotions or events. Used in advertising: '...et un cadeau en plus !'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Ça coûte combien en plus ?
Je voudrais un sac en plus.
Il y a une remise en plus ?
C'est un plus pour le prix.

Work/CV

C'est un plus pour mon CV.
En plus de mes études...
J'ai des compétences en plus.
C'est un vrai plus pour l'équipe.

Complaining

Et en plus, il pleut !
En plus, c'est trop cher.
Il est en retard en plus.
En plus de ça, il est impoli.

Cooking

Ajoutez un peu de sel en plus.
En plus du sucre, mettez du miel.
Deux minutes de cuisson en plus.
C'est meilleur avec un plus de crème.

Travel

Un bagage en plus.
En plus de Paris, on visite Lyon.
C'est dix euros en plus pour le taxi.
Il y a une personne en plus.

Conversation Starters

"Qu'est-ce qui est un vrai plus dans votre travail actuel ?"

"En plus de votre langue maternelle, quelles langues parlez-vous ?"

"Avez-vous déjà eu une journée où tout allait mal, et en plus... ?"

"Quelles sont les choses en plus que vous aimeriez avoir chez vous ?"

"Si vous deviez ajouter un petit plus à votre ville, ce serait quoi ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une journée difficile en utilisant 'en plus' pour lister les problèmes.

Quels sont les avantages (les plus) d'apprendre le français pour vous ?

Écrivez sur un voyage récent : qu'avez-vous fait en plus des visites touristiques ?

Imaginez votre maison idéale. Quels sont les 'petits plus' qui la rendent spéciale ?

Réfléchissez à une compétence que vous avez. Comment est-ce un plus dans votre vie ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in the phrase 'en plus', the 's' is almost always pronounced as /s/. This helps distinguish it from the negative 'plus' where the 's' is silent.

Absolutely! It's very common to start a sentence with 'En plus,' to add a new point to a previous conversation. Example: 'En plus, c'est gratuit !'

'En plus' is more common in spoken French and can feel slightly more informal. 'De plus' is the standard connector for formal writing like essays.

Use the construction 'en plus de' followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. Example: 'En plus de chanter, il danse.'

Yes, in the phrase 'un plus', it functions as a masculine noun meaning 'a bonus' or 'an asset'. Example: 'C'est un plus pour ton CV.'

Yes, when placed after a noun or number, it means 'extra' or 'more'. Example: 'Deux euros en plus' means 'Two extra euros'.

No, it is a very common way to link two clauses emphatically. The 'et' provides the connection, and 'en plus' provides the emphasis.

Yes, you can add a negative point using 'en plus'. Example: 'Il n'est pas venu, et en plus il n'a pas téléphoné.'

Yes, it is used throughout the Francophone world, including Quebec, with the same meaning and similar frequency.

In a quantitative sense, the opposite is 'en moins' (less/fewer). Example: 'Il y a une personne en moins'.