B2 Prepositions & Connectors 8 min read Easy

Expanding Ideas: Using 'Além disso', 'Inclusive', etc.

Go beyond e and também to add information with more style and emphasis.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Além disso' to add information and 'Inclusive' to emphasize a surprising or additional fact in your sentences.

  • Use 'Além disso' at the start of a sentence to add a new point: 'Além disso, é caro.'
  • Use 'Inclusive' to emphasize an unexpected addition: 'Ele é inteligente, inclusive fala japonês.'
  • Use 'Ademais' for formal writing contexts: 'Ademais, os dados confirmam a tendência.'
Connector + , + [Main Clause] + [Additional Clause]

Overview

Ever been texting and realized you forgot a key detail? Instead of sending a second message, you can just add it on smoothly. That's what formal additive connectors are for in Portuguese.

They let you expand your ideas like a pro. Think of them as upgrades from the basic e (and) or também (also). They add weight, emphasis, and flow to your sentences.

It’s the difference between saying "I like pizza. I also like burgers" and "I like pizza; furthermore, I'm a big fan of burgers." See the difference? One is a simple list, the other connects ideas more elegantly.

Mastering these is a key step to sounding more fluent and less like a textbook. You'll use them in everything from work emails to making a really strong point in a debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (It doesn't, by the way.

A hill I will die on.)

How This Grammar Works

These connectors are like glue for your ideas. They link a new, related thought to what you've already said. Their main job is to add information, but they do it with more style than e or também. They signal to the listener: "Hey, I'm not done yet, and this next point is important too."
  • Além disso (besides that, furthermore): This is your go-to for adding a new, separate clause. It stands on its own, usually at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.
  • Além de (besides, in addition to): This one is different. It needs to be followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. It integrates the new idea into the existing sentence.
  • Inclusive (even, including): Use this for emphasis. It highlights an example that might be surprising or is the most important part of your point. It’s like saying "and get this..."
  • Não só... mas também (not only... but also): This is a powerful duo for connecting two related ideas and giving them equal weight.
These aren't just fancy words; they structure your argument and guide your reader. It's like building with LEGOs. E is just stacking blocks. Além disso is using one of those cool hinge pieces to build something more complex.

Formation Pattern

1
Building sentences with these is straightforward once you see the pattern. There's no complicated conjugation, just sentence structure.
2
Start with your base idea. This is your main clause or sentence.
3
Eu já falo inglês fluentemente. (I already speak English fluently.)
4
Choose the right connector for the job. Are you adding a whole new clause or just a noun?
5
Let's choose além de to add a skill.
6
Add the new information, following the connector's rule.
7
Além de requires a noun or infinitive. Let's add a verb: aprender espanhol.
8
Combine them into one smooth sentence.
9
Além de já falar inglês fluentemente, estou aprendendo espanhol. (Besides already speaking English fluently, I am learning Spanish.)
10
Let's try with Além disso:
11
Base idea: O restaurante tem um ambiente ótimo. (The restaurant has a great atmosphere.)
12
Connector: Além disso
13
New idea (full clause): A comida é deliciosa. (The food is delicious.)
14
Combined: O restaurante tem um ambiente ótimo. Além disso, a comida é deliciosa. (The restaurant has a great atmosphere. Furthermore, the food is delicious.)

When To Use It

Knowing when to use these is what makes you sound natural.
  • Formal Writing & Presentations: In an essay, report, or presentation, these connectors are your best friends. They make your arguments sound structured and well-thought-out. Adicionalmente and para além de are great for this formal context.
  • Making a Strong Point: When you're in a discussion and want to add another reason to support your argument, além disso or não só... mas também are perfect. They add emphasis.
  • Adding Surprising Info: Use inclusive to introduce an unexpected but relevant piece of information. "A festa foi incrível, inclusive o meu professor de matemática apareceu!" (The party was awesome, my math teacher even showed up!)
  • Social Media Captions: To make a post on Instagram or a comment on TikTok more descriptive. "Loving this new series on Netflix! The story is great, and the soundtrack is amazing, inclusive."
  • Upgrading from Basic Portuguese: When you feel you're using e and também too much, it's a sign you're ready for these. It’s a classic B2 level-up moment. Don't worry, também isn't going anywhere, it's just getting some new friends.

Common Mistakes

Watch out for these common slip-ups. Everyone makes them at first!
  1. 1Confusing Além de and Além disso: This is the big one.
  • ✗ Eu gosto de frutas, além disso uvas.
  • ✓ Eu gosto de frutas, além de uvas. (noun follows) OR Eu gosto de frutas. Além disso, eu gosto de vegetais. (new clause follows)
Rule of thumb: If you can replace it with "besides that," use além disso. If you can replace it with "in addition to," use além de.
  1. 1Using Inclusive like Incluindo: Inclusive often means "even," adding emphasis. Incluindo just means "including."
  • Ele come de tudo, inclusive jiló. (He eats everything, even jiló.) - Surprising emphasis
  • A conta inclui tudo, incluindo a gorjeta. (The bill includes everything, including the tip.) - Simple listing
  1. 1Forgetting the mas in Não só... mas também: This pair is a team. They need each other. Leaving mas out is like sending Batman into a fight without Robin.
  • ✗ Ele não só é inteligente, também é engraçado.
  • ✓ Ele não só é inteligente, mas também é engraçado.
  1. 1Awkward placement of Também: While super useful, putting também in the wrong spot can sound a bit clunky to a native speaker. Often, it sounds most natural after the verb or the subject. Eu também quero ir or Eu quero ir também.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Let's clear up some confusion. How are these different from other words you know?
  • E vs. Além disso: E (and) is a simple connector. It puts two ideas next to each other with equal, neutral weight. Eu fui ao mercado e comprei pão. (I went to the market and bought bread). Além disso adds a layer of meaning—it suggests the second idea is an additional, noteworthy point. Eu fui ao mercado para comprar o jantar. Além disso, comprei pão para o café da manhã. (I went to the market to buy dinner. Furthermore, I bought bread for breakfast.)
  • Também vs. Inclusive: Também (also, too) is for simple addition. Ela fala inglês e francês também. (She speaks English and French too). Inclusive (even) adds an element of surprise or emphasis. It highlights something that might not be expected. Ela fala várias línguas, inclusive suaíli. (She speaks several languages, even Swahili.) The implication is that Swahili is a more surprising or impressive language in this context.
  • Mas vs. Não só... mas também: Mas (but) is for contrast. It shows opposition between two ideas. Eu queria ir à praia, mas está chovendo. (I wanted to go to the beach, but it's raining). Não só... mas também (not only... but also) is for reinforcement. It shows two ideas that work together to strengthen a point. Ele não só é um ótimo aluno, mas também um atleta talentoso. (He's not only a great student but also a talented athlete.)

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I start a sentence with Além disso?

Absolutely! That's its most common use. Just remember to put a comma after it. Além disso, ...

Q

Is there a difference between Brazilian and European Portuguese for these?

The usage is very similar. You might hear para além de a bit more in European Portuguese for "in addition to," but além de is understood everywhere. The core rules are the same.

Q

How formal is Adicionalmente?

Pretty formal. It's great for business emails, academic papers, or official announcements. You probably wouldn't use it when texting your friends unless you're being ironic.

Q

Can I use inclusive at the end of a sentence?

Yes, it's very common. "Eu adoro comida italiana, pizza inclusive." (I love Italian food, pizza included/even pizza). It works like an emphatic afterthought.

Q

Am I using também wrong?

Probably not! Também is one of the most useful words in Portuguese. The goal isn't to stop using it, but to add more tools like além disso and inclusive to your toolbox so you can express more complex ideas. Keep using também for simple additions!

Connector Usage Patterns

Connector Function Register Placement
Além disso
Additive
Neutral
Start of sentence
Ademais
Additive
Formal
Start of sentence
Outrossim
Additive
Very Formal
Start of sentence
Inclusive
Intensifier
Neutral
Mid-sentence
Também
Additive
Neutral
Mid-sentence

Meanings

These connectors serve to link ideas by adding information, reinforcing a point, or introducing an unexpected inclusion.

1

Additive

Adding a new, separate point to the previous one.

“Estudei muito. Além disso, fiz todos os exercícios.”

“O carro é rápido. Ademais, é econômico.”

2

Intensifying

Adding an surprising or extreme example to the previous statement.

“Ela sabe tudo de física, inclusive mecânica quântica.”

“O hotel era péssimo, inclusive a comida estava fria.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Expanding Ideas: Using 'Além disso', 'Inclusive', etc.
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Connector + Clause
Além disso, é bom.
Negative
Connector + Negative Clause
Além disso, não é ruim.
Question
Connector + Question
Além disso, você vai?
Emphasis
Clause + Inclusive + Noun
Gosto de tudo, inclusive café.
Formal
Ademais + Clause
Ademais, o prazo venceu.
Archaic
Outrossim + Clause
Outrossim, declaramos o fato.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ademais, a reunião foi produtiva.

Ademais, a reunião foi produtiva. (Work meeting)

Neutral
Além disso, a reunião foi produtiva.

Além disso, a reunião foi produtiva. (Work meeting)

Informal
E ainda, a reunião foi boa.

E ainda, a reunião foi boa. (Work meeting)

Slang
E mais, a reunião foi massa.

E mais, a reunião foi massa. (Work meeting)

Additive Connectors Map

Adding Info

Neutral

  • Além disso Besides that

Formal

  • Ademais Furthermore

Emphasis

  • Inclusive Including/Even
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Examples by Level

1

Eu gosto de café. Além disso, gosto de chá.

I like coffee. Besides that, I like tea.

2

Ele é legal, inclusive o irmão dele.

He is cool, including his brother.

3

Eu estudo português. Além disso, estudo inglês.

I study Portuguese. Besides that, I study English.

4

Comi pizza, inclusive a sobremesa.

I ate pizza, including the dessert.

1

O hotel era bom. Além disso, era barato.

The hotel was good. Besides that, it was cheap.

2

Ela fala bem, inclusive francês.

She speaks well, including French.

3

Não tenho tempo. Além disso, estou cansado.

I don't have time. Besides that, I'm tired.

4

Todos foram, inclusive eu.

Everyone went, including me.

1

O projeto está atrasado; além disso, falta verba.

The project is late; besides that, there is no funding.

2

Ele é muito inteligente, inclusive em matemática.

He is very smart, including in math.

3

Ademais, precisamos considerar os custos.

Furthermore, we need to consider the costs.

4

O filme é longo, inclusive tem duas partes.

The movie is long, including it has two parts.

1

A proposta é inovadora; além disso, atende às normas.

The proposal is innovative; besides that, it meets the standards.

2

Ela domina o assunto, inclusive as teorias complexas.

She masters the subject, including the complex theories.

3

Outrossim, a empresa deve rever suas metas.

Furthermore, the company must review its goals.

4

O evento foi um sucesso, inclusive com chuva.

The event was a success, even with rain.

1

O argumento é falho; ademais, carece de evidências.

The argument is flawed; furthermore, it lacks evidence.

2

Ele é um poliglota, inclusive em línguas mortas.

He is a polyglot, including in dead languages.

3

Além disso, a análise sugere uma mudança de paradigma.

Furthermore, the analysis suggests a paradigm shift.

4

Inclusive os críticos mais severos elogiaram a obra.

Even the harshest critics praised the work.

1

Outrossim, cumpre notar que as variáveis mudaram.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the variables changed.

2

A tese é robusta, inclusive no que tange à metodologia.

The thesis is robust, including regarding the methodology.

3

Ademais, não se pode ignorar o contexto histórico.

Furthermore, one cannot ignore the historical context.

4

Inclusive em situações de crise, eles mantiveram a calma.

Even in crisis situations, they kept calm.

Easily Confused

Expanding Ideas: Using 'Além disso', 'Inclusive', etc. vs Além disso vs. Também

Learners use them interchangeably.

Expanding Ideas: Using 'Além disso', 'Inclusive', etc. vs Inclusive vs. Incluindo

They look similar but have different grammatical roles.

Expanding Ideas: Using 'Além disso', 'Inclusive', etc. vs Ademais vs. Além disso

Register mismatch.

Common Mistakes

✗

Além disso eu gosto.

✓

Além disso, eu gosto.

Missing comma after connector.
✗

Inclusive eu gosto.

✓

Eu gosto, inclusive disso.

Inclusive is usually an intensifier, not a starter.
✗

Além disso de café.

✓

Além disso, café.

Don't add 'de' after the connector.
✗

Eu gosto também além disso.

✓

Eu gosto. Além disso...

Redundant usage.
✗

Inclusive a casa é bonita.

✓

A casa é bonita, inclusive o jardim.

Inclusive needs to follow the main idea.
✗

Ademais, ele é legal.

✓

Além disso, ele é legal.

Ademais is too formal for casual talk.
✗

Ele foi, inclusive ela.

✓

Ele foi, inclusive ela.

Actually correct, but watch the comma.
✗

Outrossim, a comida estava fria.

✓

Além disso, a comida estava fria.

Outrossim is too formal for food reviews.
✗

Inclusive, eu não gosto.

✓

Eu não gosto, inclusive.

Inclusive doesn't start sentences.
✗

Além disso, que ele disse.

✓

Além disso, ele disse que...

Word order.
✗

Ademais, o cara é chato.

✓

Além disso, o indivíduo é desagradável.

Register mismatch.
✗

Inclusive, a tese é boa.

✓

A tese é boa, inclusive.

Inclusive placement.
✗

Outrossim, não sei.

✓

Além disso, não sei.

Register mismatch.
✗

Além disso, ele é, inclusive, inteligente.

✓

Além disso, ele é inteligente.

Overusing connectors.

Sentence Patterns

___, além disso, ___.

Eu gosto de ___, inclusive ___.

___; além disso, ___.

___, inclusive ___.

Real World Usage

Email very common

Além disso, os documentos estão anexos.

Texting common

E ainda, vamos sair?

Job Interview common

Além disso, tenho experiência em gestão.

Social Media common

O show foi incrível, inclusive o bis!

Food Delivery occasional

O pedido veio frio, inclusive o refrigerante.

Academic Essay constant

Ademais, a análise demonstra...

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💡

Punctuation Matters

Always put a comma after 'Além disso' when it starts a sentence.
⚠️

Don't Overuse

Using 'além disso' in every sentence makes you sound like a robot.
🎯

Use 'Inclusive' for Emphasis

It's the best way to sound like a native speaker when adding a surprising detail.
💬

Register Check

Save 'outrossim' for legal or academic papers only.

Smart Tips

Use 'Ademais' to sound more professional.

Além disso, o estudo é bom. → Ademais, o estudo é relevante.

Use 'inclusive' to emphasize your point.

A festa foi boa e teve música. → A festa foi boa, inclusive a música.

Use 'Além disso' to structure your points clearly.

O carro é bom e é barato. → O carro é bom. Além disso, é barato.

Mix 'Além disso' with 'Adicionalmente'.

Além disso, ele é alto. Além disso, ele é forte. → Além disso, ele é alto. Adicionalmente, ele é forte.

Pronunciation

ah-LEH-n-DEE-soo

Além disso

Pronounce the 'm' in 'Além' as a nasal vowel. The 's' in 'disso' is a soft 's' sound.

in-kloo-ZEE-vee

Inclusive

The 's' is pronounced like 'z' because it's between vowels.

Additive

Além disso, ↗ (pause) ↘

Rising intonation on the connector to show continuation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'A-I': Além disso for Adding, Inclusive for Intensifying.

Visual Association

Imagine a person stacking blocks. 'Além disso' is adding a new block on top. 'Inclusive' is painting a special pattern on the block you just added.

Rhyme

Para somar, use o Além disso, para enfatizar, o Inclusive é um feitiço.

Story

Maria was cooking. She added salt (Além disso, colocou pimenta). She even added secret herbs (inclusive ervas secretas). Her dish was perfect.

Word Web

Além dissoAdemaisOutrossimInclusiveTambémAdicionalmente

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your day using 'Além disso' and 3 using 'inclusive' in the next 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

Brazilians use 'inclusive' very frequently in casual speech to emphasize points.

Portuguese speakers use 'além disso' more formally than Brazilians.

In academic writing, 'outrossim' is highly valued for its precision.

These connectors evolved from Latin roots (ad + illud for além disso).

Conversation Starters

“

O que você achou do filme? Além disso...

“

Você gosta do seu trabalho? Inclusive...

“

Como foi sua viagem? Além disso...

“

O que você acha da política? Ademais...

Journal Prompts

Descreva seu dia usando 'além disso' para listar 3 coisas.
Escreva sobre um hobby seu, usando 'inclusive' para destacar um detalhe.
Argumente a favor do trabalho remoto usando 'ademais'.
Compare dois países usando 'além disso' e 'inclusive'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

O carro é rápido. ___ , é econômico.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além disso
Adds a new point.
Choose the correct connector. Multiple Choice

Ela é inteligente, ___ fala três línguas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: inclusive
Emphasizes a detail.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Inclusive, eu gosto de pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu gosto, inclusive de pizza.
Inclusive placement.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além disso, ele é bom.
Correct order.
Translate to Portuguese. Translation

Furthermore, we need money.

Answer starts with: Alé...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além disso, precisamos de dinheiro.
Furthermore = Além disso.
Match the connector to its register. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Formal
Outrossim is very formal.
Select the best fit. Multiple Choice

O filme foi longo, ___ teve duas partes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: inclusive
Adds a detail.
Fill in the blank.

___, a empresa deve rever suas metas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Outrossim
Formal context.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

O carro é rápido. ___ , é econômico.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além disso
Adds a new point.
Choose the correct connector. Multiple Choice

Ela é inteligente, ___ fala três línguas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: inclusive
Emphasizes a detail.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Inclusive, eu gosto de pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu gosto, inclusive de pizza.
Inclusive placement.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

disso / é / Além / bom / , / ele

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além disso, ele é bom.
Correct order.
Translate to Portuguese. Translation

Furthermore, we need money.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além disso, precisamos de dinheiro.
Furthermore = Além disso.
Match the connector to its register. Match Pairs

Match 'Outrossim'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Formal
Outrossim is very formal.
Select the best fit. Multiple Choice

O filme foi longo, ___ teve duas partes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: inclusive
Adds a detail.
Fill in the blank.

___, a empresa deve rever suas metas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Outrossim
Formal context.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Complete the sentence with the best option. Fill in the Blank

`Além de` ___ um bom livro, é uma ótima adaptação para o cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ser
Select the most appropriate sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence makes the most sense?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Todos os funcionários receberam um bônus, inclusive o estagiário.
Find and correct the error. Error Correction

Eu preciso ir ao banco. Além de, tenho que passar no supermercado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu preciso ir ao banco. Além disso, tenho que passar no supermercado.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence. Sentence Reorder

inteligente / mas / ele / é / não só / também / esforçado

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele não só é inteligente, mas também esforçado.
Translate the following sentence to Portuguese. Translation

Not only is the city beautiful, but it's also very safe.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A cidade não só é bonita, mas também é muito segura.
Match the connector to its function. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: []
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

O novo software tem muitos recursos, ___ um corretor ortográfico integrado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: inclusive
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Ele fala japonês, além disso de mandarim.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele fala japonês, além de mandarim.
Choose the best connector for the context. Multiple Choice

(Formal writing) O relatório aponta diversas falhas no sistema. ____, sugere possíveis soluções.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Adicionalmente
How would you say 'Besides being a great movie, the book is also wonderful' in Portuguese? Translation

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além de ser um ótimo filme, o livro também é maravilhoso.
Organize the words to make a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

trabalhar / de / muito, / ele / estuda / além

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Além de trabalhar muito, ele estuda.

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

No, it's usually used mid-sentence to emphasize a point.

Yes, but 'Ademais' is much more formal.

No, it's an invariant adverb.

Only in legal or highly academic writing.

Yes, it's very common in both speech and writing.

Not exactly. 'Inclusive' adds emphasis, 'também' just adds an item.

Connectors like 'Além disso' require a comma to separate them from the main clause.

Yes, 'Adicionalmente' is another formal option.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Además

None, they are cognates.

French moderate

En outre

Register usage is stricter in French.

German high

Außerdem

Word order in German is V2.

Japanese moderate

さらに (sarani)

Japanese is agglutinative.

Arabic high

بالإضافة إلى ذلك

It is a longer phrase.

Chinese moderate

此外 (cǐwài)

Chinese lacks gender/number.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Formal Contrasts: Beyond 'Mas' (No entanto, Contudo)

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A1 Builds On

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