plus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A2Neutral to formal. Common in everyday, academic, business, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “plus” mean?
The basic mathematical operation of addition, represented by the symbol '+'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The basic mathematical operation of addition, represented by the symbol '+'; also used to indicate a positive value or an advantage.
Beyond its core mathematical function, it functions as a preposition meaning 'increased by' or 'with the addition of', as a conjunction meaning 'and also' or 'furthermore', and as an adjective describing something advantageous, additional, or slightly above a standard. It can also mean a positive quality or an asset.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The informal use as a conjunction (e.g., "Plus, it's cheap.") is accepted in both but may be flagged as informal/colloquial in more prescriptive British contexts.
Connotations
As an adjective ("a plus factor"), it connotes a positive addition in both varieties. In business, "plus-size" is standard in both for clothing.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both, with no significant disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “plus” in a Sentence
NUMBER plus NUMBER (e.g., five plus two)NOUN plus NOUN (e.g., salary plus benefits)SENTENCE. Plus, SENTENCE (conjunctive adverb)be plus ADJECTIVE (e.g., is plus-sized)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He pluses all the figures to get the total.
American English
- The software automatically pluses the columns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The deal includes his base salary plus performance bonuses." Used in financial calculations and to list benefits.
Academic
"The model output was 12.5 plus or minus 0.3." Used in mathematics, science, and statistics to indicate ranges.
Everyday
"I'm hungry, plus I didn't sleep well." Used conversationally to add a reason or point.
Technical
"Connect the red wire to the positive terminal." In electronics, '+' denotes positive polarity.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plus”
- Using "plus" to start a sentence in formal writing (considered conjunctive adverb overuse).
- Incorrect: "Two plus two are four." Correct: "Two plus two is/equals four." (The subject is "two plus two" as a singular concept).
- Confusing "plus" (with) and "plus" (positive temperature).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in informal speech and writing to start a sentence with 'Plus' as a discourse marker meaning 'furthermore'. In formal writing (academic, business reports), it is often discouraged in favour of 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', or 'In addition'.
In mathematics, '+' is read as 'plus'. As a conjunction, 'and' is the neutral coordinator, while 'plus' often adds a point that strengthens or supports a previous statement, sometimes with a slight persuasive tone. 'And' simply links.
It is pronounced the same: /plʌs/. The phrase 'plus-size' is a fixed compound adjective.
The word 'plus' itself denotes addition or positivity. However, in phrases like 'plus and minus points' or 'the pluses and minuses', it is part of a contrast. In temperatures, 'plus five' means above zero, which is positive in a literal sense.
The basic mathematical operation of addition, represented by the symbol '+'.
Plus is usually neutral to formal. common in everyday, academic, business, and technical contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the plus side”
- “A big plus”
- “Plus or minus (≈)”
- “Plus ça change (French loan)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the cross-shaped PLUS sign (+) ADDING things together to make a POSITIVE situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORE IS UP/POSITIVE (e.g., "temperatures are plus ten degrees"), ADDITION IS COMBINATION, ADVANTAGE IS A PLUS.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'plus' used as a conjunction (adding a clause)?