In addition vs. Additionally – Which is Correct?
Both are correct in American English, but they are used differently. “In addition” is a phrase meaning “also” or “as an extra point,” while “additionally” is an adverb meaning “also.” Choose “in addition” for a natural transition and “additionally” for a concise formal adverb, especially in academic writing.
In addition or additionally – Which is Correct?
In addition and additionally are both correct. They commonly introduce extra information, so they can often be exchanged without changing the basic meaning. However, in addition is a phrase, while additionally is a single adverb.
In addition often sounds more conversational and flexible. It can introduce a new sentence, appear after a subject, or be followed by to and a noun or gerund: “In addition to the report, she submitted a presentation.”
Additionally is somewhat more concise and formal. It is especially common in academic, business, technical, and legal writing. It usually modifies the whole sentence or clause: “Additionally, the report includes a cost analysis.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “to” test. If the expression is followed by a noun or gerund, choose in addition to: “In addition to exercising, he eats well.” If you are simply connecting two complete ideas, either form may work, but additionally is the shorter adverb: “He exercises. Additionally, he eats well.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| in addition | Adverbial phrase | Also; furthermore; as an extra point | In addition, the team completed the project early. |
| additionally | Adverb | Also; furthermore | Additionally, the team reduced its expenses. |
How to Use In Addition
In addition introduces information that supplements or expands on a previous statement. When it appears at the beginning of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma: “In addition, the company offers flexible scheduling.” It can also appear within a sentence, often set off by commas: “The proposal, in addition, addresses environmental concerns.”
The related expression in addition to functions as a preposition. It must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund rather than a complete independent clause. For example, write “In addition to studying, Maya works part time,” not “In addition to she studies.”
Example 1: In addition, the library provides free access to online databases.
Example 2: The apartment has a balcony in addition to two spacious bedrooms.
Example 3: In addition to reviewing the contract, the attorney contacted the supplier.
Etymology of the Word In Addition
Addition comes from the Latin additio, meaning “an adding” or “something added,” from addere, meaning “to add.” The phrase in addition developed from the idea of placing something extra into an existing group or argument. Today, it commonly works as a transition meaning “also” or “furthermore.”
How to Use Additionally
Additionally is an adverb used to add another fact, reason, result, or point. It is most often placed at the beginning of a sentence and followed by a comma: “Additionally, the policy protects temporary workers.” It can also appear before a main verb or after a form of be, although those positions are less common.
This word is grammatically efficient and often sounds formal. It is useful in reports, essays, instructions, presentations, and professional correspondence. In casual conversation, also or in addition may sound more natural.
Example 1: Additionally, all applicants must provide two professional references.
Example 2: The software is affordable and additionally offers strong security features.
Example 3: The route is shorter; additionally, it avoids heavy traffic.
Etymology of the Word Additionally
Additionally is formed from the adjective additional and the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Additional comes from the Latin root associated with addere, “to add.” The word therefore literally conveys the idea of adding another point or detail.
Related Concepts
Understanding sentence adverbs, transition expressions, and prepositional phrases makes the distinction between in addition and additionally easier to apply.
- Transition words: Transition words connect ideas and show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause, or sequence. Both in addition and additionally can introduce an added idea.
- Sentence adverbs: A sentence adverb can comment on or organize an entire clause. Additionally commonly works this way when it appears at the beginning of a sentence.
- Prepositional phrases: The expression in addition to is a prepositional phrase. It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund, as in “in addition to the fee” or “in addition to working.”
- Parallel structure: Items joined by in addition to should follow the same grammatical pattern when possible. For example, “She enjoys hiking in addition to swimming” is parallel and clear.
Examples from Media and Literature
Writers in journalism, nonfiction, fiction, and professional communication use both expressions to add information or develop an argument.
- News writing: “In addition, the investigation found that several safety procedures had not been followed.” This placement clearly introduces another reported finding.
- Academic writing: “Additionally, the study examined how sleep affected long-term memory.” The formal adverb suits an objective research discussion.
- Business communication: “In addition to the revised schedule, employees received updated training materials.” Here, in addition to connects the extra item to a noun phrase.
- Literary narration: “Additionally, the journey revealed an unexpected side of the protagonist.” The adverb signals that the narrator is adding another observation.
- Everyday dialogue: “The restaurant is close to home, and in addition, it stays open late.” The phrase sounds natural in an informal explanation.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word or expression to complete each sentence. In some cases, more than one answer may be grammatically possible, but choose the option that best fits the sentence structure and tone.
- ______ to offering free delivery, the store provides installation services.
- ______, the committee recommended extending the deadline.
- The course is challenging; ______, it requires students to complete weekly projects.
- ______ the lower price, this model has a longer warranty.
- In ______, the revised plan reduces waste and saves money.
Answer Key
- In addition
- Additionally
- additionally
- addition to
- addition
In Addition Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| also | In addition; as well |
| too | Also; used commonly in informal or neutral writing |
| furthermore | In addition; used to introduce a supporting point |
| moreover | In addition; often used in formal or persuasive writing |
| besides | In addition to or apart from something already mentioned |
Additionally Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| also | In addition; another common way to add information |
| furthermore | Moreover; used to add a related supporting idea |
| moreover | In addition, especially in formal argument or explanation |
| besides | As an additional point or reason |
| as well | Also; generally placed at the end of a clause |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “in addition” correct English?
Yes. In addition is a standard English adverbial phrase meaning “also,” “furthermore,” or “as an extra point.” It is correct in both formal and informal writing.
Question 2: Is “additionally” more formal than “in addition”?
Generally, yes. Additionally is concise and frequently used in academic, technical, business, and legal writing. However, in addition is also appropriate in formal writing and may sound more natural in some sentences.
Question 3: Should I write “in addition to” or “additionally to”?
Write in addition to. This expression is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund, as in “in addition to the cost” or “in addition to attending the meeting.” Additionally to is not standard English.
Conclusion
In addition and additionally are both correct ways to introduce extra information. Use in addition as a flexible phrase, especially before to plus a noun or gerund. Use additionally as a concise, somewhat more formal adverb. Pro Tip: Choosing the expression that best fits your sentence structure and tone helps your professional writing appear polished and precise.
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