also

also — adverb

1. used to say that one more thing, fact, or person is being added to something alr

1.adverbA1
Definition

used to say that one more thing, fact, or person is being added to something already mentioned.

Example

Theo speaks Japanese and she also speaks a little Korean.

pre-verb position: subject + also + main verb

Citlali has also visited Kyoto, not just Tokyo.

post-auxiliary position: have/has + also + past participle

Common collocations
  • also like
  • also want
  • also need
  • has also / have also
  • is also / are also
  • can also / will also
  • Also, ... (sentence-initial)
Synonyms
  • too

    more informal; usually placed at the end of the sentence

  • as well

    informal; sentence-final, like 'too'

  • in addition

    more formal; often starts a sentence in writing

  • besides

    adds another reason or fact, often introducing a stronger point

Grammar Patterns

Subject + also + main verb (I also like coffee)

Subject + auxiliary/modal + also + main verb (I have also been there)

Subject + be + also + complement (She is also a doctor)

Also, + sentence (Also, please bring your passport.)

Usage Note

Position is the key challenge. 'Also' goes BEFORE the main verb (I also like tea), AFTER an auxiliary or modal (I can also swim; she has also called), and AFTER 'be' (he is also tired). At the start of a sentence, use 'Also,' with a comma to add a new point. Unlike 'too' and 'as well', 'also' is not normally placed at the end of a sentence.

Common Mistakes

I like also coffee.
I also like coffee.
place 'also' before the main verb, not after it.
She also can swim very fast.
She can also swim very fast.
with a modal verb (can, will, should), put 'also' after the modal.
I want a tea also.
I want a tea too.' / 'I also want a tea.
'also' is not used at the end of a sentence; use 'too' or 'as well' there.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All five words add extra information, but they differ in position and register. 'Also' is the most flexible in writing and speech: it sits before the main verb, after an auxiliary or modal, or after 'be'. 'Too' and 'as well' are more informal and usually go at the end of a sentence — say 'I want one too' or 'I want one as well', not 'I want one also'. 'In addition' is more formal and often opens a written sentence: 'In addition, the report covers safety.' 'Besides' adds a further, sometimes stronger reason: 'I'm tired; besides, it's late.' For everyday speech, choose 'too' or 'as well'; for neutral writing, choose 'also'; for formal reports, choose 'in addition'.

also ↗too ↗as well ↗in additionbesides ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • not only ... but also
  • Also, ... (sentence-initial)
  • and also
  • but also

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

'Also' comes from Old English 'eallswā', a compound of 'eall' (all) and 'swā' (so), literally meaning 'all so' or 'in just the same way'. Over time the long form was shortened to 'also', and its meaning narrowed from 'in the same way' to today's simple sense of 'in addition'. The related word 'as' came from the same source through further shortening.