also
adverb
UK/ˈɔːl.səʊ/US/ˈɔl.soʊ/
in addition or too; used to add information to an existing statement
Example Sentences
He is an excellent singer and also a skilled dancer.
I'm planning a trip to Italy, and I also hope to explore Spain.
She can speak French fluently and also understands basic German.
He not only completed his report on time but also proofread everyone else’s.
My cousins are visiting next week, and we might also take them on a road trip.
You should read the instructions carefully and also prepare all the necessary tools in advance.
I’ve saved up for a new laptop, but I also need to consider the additional cost of software and accessories, which might push me over my budget if I'm not careful.
The company introduced a new policy to improve customer service and also expanded its support team, ensuring that clients receive quicker and more personalized assistance.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Used to add another point or element.“Also” is commonly used as an adverb to connect or add further information to a sentence. You can place it in different parts of a sentence for emphasis or style. For instance, you can begin with “Also” to introduce an extra point after making a main statement, or you can insert it within a sentence to smoothly transition from one idea to the next. When writing, watch out for overuse, as using it too frequently can make your text sound repetitive. In more formal contexts, you might place “also” after a helping verb (e.g., “It has also become clear…”). In informal contexts, you can simply open a new sentence with “Also” to draw attention to an additional insight or idea.
Alternatives
If you want to diversify your language beyond “also,” there are several viable synonyms you can incorporate depending on context and tone. “Additionally” and “furthermore” work well in academic or formal writing, offering a more sophisticated feel. “Moreover” conveys a sense of building upon an important point. “In addition” helps transition smoothly between ideas without sounding repetitive. “Too” or “as well” can keep your tone casual or conversational, though they may require slight rephrasing to fit naturally. “Besides” can offer a light, somewhat informal way of presenting extra information or a secondary thought. Using a variety of these words can enrich your writing or speech, helping you maintain clarity and avoid monotony when introducing supplementary points or arguments.
Writing
When writing, clarity and variety are paramount. While “also” is a straightforward choice to link ideas, relying on it exclusively can lead to repetitive phrasing. Instead, vary your transitions to keep readers engaged. Consider using synonyms like “furthermore,” “in addition,” or “moreover” to show the relationship between ideas without overusing one term. Pay attention to sentence placement—an introductory “Also,” or one tucked within a sentence, can subtly shift emphasis. Read your text aloud to catch rhythmic repetition; if you notice “also” appearing too frequently, replace it with a phrase that conveys the same meaning. This simple strategy refines your tone, enhances clarity, and adds a polished, cohesive flow to your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “also” is a handy word to bring in extra details or emphasize another angle of your thought. However, you don’t have to stick to it exclusively. Feel free to use “too” or “as well” for a friendlier vibe. Placement matters less in casual speech—saying “Also, I’d like to…” at the beginning of a sentence works fine to call attention to something. Or you can drop it in after you’ve started speaking, like “I’d like to finish my chores; also, I need to buy groceries.” Don’t worry about being too formal; the goal is simply to connect ideas clearly and naturally in everyday chats.
Etymology
The word “also” comes from Old English roots, specifically from “eallswā,” which was a combination of “all” (eal) and “so” (swā). Over centuries, the form and pronunciation shifted, but the function remained consistent: to convey the idea of adding or emphasizing an additional point. Its use in Middle English and early Modern English is well-documented, reflecting how language evolved to accommodate new syntactic structures while retaining familiar words. Interestingly, “also” has maintained its central meaning across multiple centuries, illustrating how core function words can remain remarkably stable despite changes in language. This long history underscores how certain linguistic elements transcend eras to preserve clarity and continuity in communication.
