B2 Complex Sentences 4 min de lectura

Expanding Ideas with Formal Add

Master formal connectors like `além disso` to transform simple lists into sophisticated, persuasive arguments.

The Rule in 30 Seconds

  • Use `além disso` or `ademais` to add information professionally.
  • Always put a comma after these connectors at sentence starts.
  • Use `não só... mas também` to emphasize two related points.
  • Keep these for formal emails, interviews, and academic writing.

Quick Reference

Connector Formality Level Best Placement Usage Context
`Além disso` High / Neutral Start of sentence Standard formal addition
`Ademais` High Start of sentence Professional/Academic writing
`Não só... mas também` Neutral / High Mid-sentence Emphasizing multiple benefits
`Outrossim` Very High Start of sentence Legal or very old-fashioned texts
`Bem como` High Between nouns/phrases Listing items elegantly
`Aliás` Neutral Between clauses Adding/Correcting information

Ejemplos clave

3 de 10
1

O projeto é inovador. `Além disso`, é muito econômico.

The project is innovative. Furthermore, it is very economical.

2

Ela fala francês e, `ademais`, domina o alemão.

She speaks French and, moreover, is fluent in German.

3

`Além de` chegar tarde, ele esqueceu os documentos.

Besides arriving late, he forgot the documents.

💡

The Comma Rule

Always treat words like `Ademais` and `Além disso` as VIPs. They need a comma 'bodyguard' immediately after them when they start a sentence. Don't leave them unprotected!

⚠️

Redundancy Trap

Avoid saying `e também` alongside `além disso`. It's like wearing two hats. Choose the formal connector and let it do the work alone. It sounds much cleaner.

The Rule in 30 Seconds

  • Use `além disso` or `ademais` to add information professionally.
  • Always put a comma after these connectors at sentence starts.
  • Use `não só... mas também` to emphasize two related points.
  • Keep these for formal emails, interviews, and academic writing.

Overview

You already know how to say e. It is the basic glue of language. But you are at B2 level now. You want to sound more professional. You want to build complex arguments. This is where formal addition comes in. Think of it like upgrading your toolset. Instead of just a hammer, you have a drill. Formal connectors allow you to stack ideas. They make your speech flow better. They show you have control over the language. In a job interview, this is your secret weapon. Even native speakers use these to sound smarter. Let’s dive into how to expand your thoughts.

How This Grammar Works

Formal addition isn't just about adding words. It is about logical flow. You take one idea and place another beside it. But you do it with style. Words like além disso or ademais signal a transition. They tell the listener: "Wait, there is more!" It is like adding a new floor to a house. Each connector has a different "weight." Some are light and common. Others are heavy and very formal. You choose them based on your audience. Using them correctly creates a professional rhythm. It keeps your listener engaged and informed. It’s like a grammar traffic light guiding the conversation.

Formation Pattern

  1. 1Start with your first main idea or sentence.
  2. 2Place a period or a semicolon.
  3. 3Use a formal connector like além disso or ademais.
  4. 4Follow the connector with a comma immediately.
  5. 5State your second, complementary idea.
  6. 6For não só... mas também, split the ideas.
  7. 7Place não só before the first verb/noun.
  8. 8Place mas também before the second part.
  9. 9Ensure both parts of the sentence are balanced.

When To Use It

Use these patterns when you need to be precise. They are perfect for writing formal emails to clients. Use them in university essays to link paragraphs. They work wonders during job interviews. You want to list your skills without sounding repetitive. Use them when explaining complex directions to someone. For example, "Go straight, and além disso, watch for the sign." It shows you are thinking ahead. Even when ordering food in a fancy restaurant, they fit. "I’ll have the steak, and ademais, the wine list, please." It sounds much more polished than just saying e.

When Not To Use It

Avoid these in very casual settings. Don't use outrossim while texting your best friend. It will make you sound like a 19th-century lawyer. You might get some weird looks at a BBQ. If you are just listing groceries, keep it simple. Don't use these when the ideas are contradictory. These are for adding, not for showing contrast. If you use too many, you sound robotic. Use them to enhance, not to clutter. Think of them like salt in a dish. A little makes it better. Too much makes it hard to swallow.

Common Mistakes

Many people forget the comma after the connector. This is a very common written error. Ademais needs that pause to work correctly. Another mistake is redundancy. Don't say e além disso together. It is like saying "and and also." Choose one and stick with it. Some people misplace também in formal structures. In formal add, também usually goes after the verb. People also confuse addition with result. Portanto is for results, not for adding info. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. Just take a breath and check your logic.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Basic addition uses e or também. These are fine for daily life. Formal addition uses ademais, outrossim, or aliás. These carry more rhetorical weight. Aliás is great for adding a corrected thought. Ademais is strictly for stacking similar points. Não só... mas também adds a sense of surprise. It emphasizes that the second point is even better. Contrast this with além de. Além de requires an infinitive or a noun. "Besides eating..." vs "Besides, I ate...". One links words, the other links full sentences.

Quick FAQ

Q. Is ademais too formal for a meeting?

A. No, it is perfect for professional settings.

Q. Can I start a sentence with E?

A. In formal writing, it is better to use Além disso.

Q. Does outrossim work in Brazil and Portugal?

A. Yes, but it is very, very formal everywhere.

Q. Is não só always followed by mas também?

A. Usually, but como também also works perfectly.

Q. Can I use aliás to change the subject?

A. Yes, it often introduces a related side-note.

Q. Why use these instead of just e?

A. It helps you avoid repetition and sounds sophisticated.

Reference Table

Connector Formality Level Best Placement Usage Context
`Além disso` High / Neutral Start of sentence Standard formal addition
`Ademais` High Start of sentence Professional/Academic writing
`Não só... mas também` Neutral / High Mid-sentence Emphasizing multiple benefits
`Outrossim` Very High Start of sentence Legal or very old-fashioned texts
`Bem como` High Between nouns/phrases Listing items elegantly
`Aliás` Neutral Between clauses Adding/Correcting information
💡

The Comma Rule

Always treat words like `Ademais` and `Além disso` as VIPs. They need a comma 'bodyguard' immediately after them when they start a sentence. Don't leave them unprotected!

⚠️

Redundancy Trap

Avoid saying `e também` alongside `além disso`. It's like wearing two hats. Choose the formal connector and let it do the work alone. It sounds much cleaner.

🎯

The Email Hack

When asking for two things in an email, use `Além disso` for the second request. It makes the second task feel like a logical addition rather than an annoying extra chore.

💬

Sounding Sophisticated

Using `Outrossim` is a bit like wearing a tuxedo to a pizza party. In Portugal and Brazil, it's mostly for lawyers. Stick to `Além disso` to sound smart but still human.

Ejemplos

10
#1 Basic Addition

O projeto é inovador. `Além disso`, é muito econômico.

Focus: Além disso

The project is innovative. Furthermore, it is very economical.

Standard way to link two positive attributes.

#2 Basic Addition

Ela fala francês e, `ademais`, domina o alemão.

Focus: ademais

She speaks French and, moreover, is fluent in German.

Using 'ademais' mid-sentence with commas.

#3 Edge Case (Infinitive)

`Além de` chegar tarde, ele esqueceu os documentos.

Focus: Além de

Besides arriving late, he forgot the documents.

'Além de' connects to a verb in the infinitive.

#4 Edge Case (Negative)

Não só não ajudou, `como ainda` atrapalhou o trabalho.

Focus: como ainda

Not only did he not help, but he even hindered the work.

A negative variation of the additive structure.

#5 Formal Context

A proposta foi aprovada. `Outrossim`, os prazos foram mantidos.

Focus: Outrossim

The proposal was approved. Likewise, the deadlines were kept.

Very formal, common in legal or corporate reports.

#6 Informal Context

Vou ao mercado e, `aliás`, preciso de pão.

Focus: aliás

I'm going to the market and, by the way, I need bread.

More conversational but still structured.

#7 Mistake Corrected

✗ Ele é inteligente e `além disso` também esforçado. → ✓ Ele é inteligente; `além disso`, é esforçado.

Focus: além disso

He is intelligent; furthermore, he is hardworking.

Avoid using 'e' and 'também' with 'além disso' simultaneously.

#8 Mistake Corrected

✗ `Ademais` o tempo está bom. → ✓ `Ademais`, o tempo está bom.

Focus: Ademais,

Moreover, the weather is good.

The comma after the connector is mandatory.

#9 Advanced Usage

A empresa expandiu as vendas, `bem como` a sua presença digital.

Focus: bem como

The company expanded sales, as well as its digital presence.

'Bem como' acts as a sophisticated 'and'.

#10 Advanced Usage

`Não apenas` estudamos a teoria, `mas também` aplicamos a prática.

Focus: Não apenas

Not only did we study the theory, but we also applied the practice.

Correlative conjunctions for balanced emphasis.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the most appropriate formal connector to add information in a business email.

O relatório está pronto. ___, todos os dados foram conferidos.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Ademais

Ademais is a formal connector used to add a new point that supports the previous one.

Select the correct correlative pair for this sentence.

___ ganhamos o jogo, ___ batemos o recorde.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Não só / mas também

This pair is used to add and emphasize two related achievements.

Which connector requires an infinitive verb following it?

___ trabalhar muito, ela ainda faz voluntariado.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Além de

Além de is followed by a noun or an infinitive verb (trabalhar).

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Ayudas visuales

Casual vs. Professional Addition

Casual (A1-B1)
e and
também also
Professional (B2+)
Além disso Furthermore
Ademais Moreover
Aliás In fact / By the way

Choosing the Right Connector

1

Is it a formal context?

YES ↓
NO
Use 'e' or 'também'.
2

Are you starting a new sentence?

YES ↓
NO
Use 'bem como' or 'não só... mas também'.
3

Is it for a legal/official document?

YES ↓
NO
Use 'Além disso' or 'Ademais'.
4

Do you want to sound like a judge?

YES ↓
NO
Use 'Ademais'.

Connector Categories

🚀

Sentence Starters

  • Além disso
  • Ademais
  • Outrossim
🔗

Internal Links

  • bem como
  • como também
  • não apenas
✏️

Adding with Correction

  • Aliás
  • Diga-se de passagem

Preguntas frecuentes

22 preguntas

Além disso is the king of formal addition. It is used in almost every professional context to link related ideas smoothly.

You can, but it is considered informal. For B2 level, try replacing it with Ademais or Além disso to elevate your writing.

They are very similar, but ademais is slightly more formal. You will see ademais more often in literature or academic papers.

The most natural translation is Não só... mas também. For example: Não só estudo, mas também trabalho.

In Portuguese, também usually comes after the verb or the subject. Starting a sentence with it sounds a bit like translated English; use Além disso instead.

Yes, but mainly in legal documents or very formal speeches. If you use it in a cafe, people might think you are a time traveler.

It means 'by the way' or 'in fact'. It is used to add info that reinforces or slightly corrects what you just said.

Yes, usually a comma is used before bem como when it links two distinct phrases. For example: Gosto de ler, bem como de escrever.

Absolutely! Não apenas is a bit more elegant. It pairs with mas também or como ainda perfectly.

Além de needs a complement (like a noun or verb). Além disso stands alone at the start of a sentence to refer back to the whole previous thought.

Yes. Não gosto de frio. Além disso, odeio chuva. It adds one negative point to another just as well as positive ones.

Yes, that is a very high-level way to say 'it should be added that'. It is very common in formal reports: Acresce que os custos subiram.

It is common in formal writing and news broadcasts, but rarely used in spoken street Portuguese.

Place não só before the first verb and mas também before the second. Ele não só canta, mas também dança.

Ainda por cima is usually for complaining and is more informal. Stick to Ademais for professional complaints.

For addition in a conclusion, use Por fim or Finalmente. These add the *last* piece of information.

It can. It often adds a detail that makes the first statement more precise. Estou cansado, aliás, exausto.

Very similar! Además is Ademais, and Además de eso is Além disso. The logic is almost identical.

Yes, it is common in administrative and legal Portuguese (o juridiquês).

Try writing a fake job application. List your skills using a different connector for each one to see how they feel.

Only if you want to be funny or very serious. Otherwise, stick to the simple e or também.

It is best translated as 'as well as' or 'along with'. It's very useful for lists.

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