What is the difference between also, as well, and too?
Also, as well, and too share the same meaning. They all mean “in addition” or “similarly.” The only difference is their placement within a sentence or their formality level. “Also” is more commonly used in written and formal contexts, while “as well” and “too” are often used in spoken language and are more informal. Additionally, “as well” is typically placed at the end of a sentence, while “too” can appear at the end or before the main verb.
What do also, as well, and too mean?
Also, as well and too are adverbs. They are all used to express addition but they are used differently within sentences: they take different sentence positions. Generally speaking, too and as well are used at the end of sentences. Also is placed before the main verb or after a helping verb (i.e. auxiliary or modal). Too may sometimes appear before the main verb.
Difference Between Also Too And As Well
Also
Also is an adverb that means in addition.
1. It is usually placed before the main verb:
- I also like baseball.
- She also plays basketball.
2. The adverb also may be positioned after a helping verb. Helping verbs are verbs that help the main verb in a sentence to extend its meaning or to convey more grammatical information about the sentence. Helping verbs can be:
- Auxiliaries such as be – as in “I am working on a new project” – or have – as in “I have done my homework”.
- Modals such as can, must, and should – as in “you should see a doctor”.
If the word also is inserted in the above examples, it must be placed after the helping verbs:
- I am also working on a new project.
- I have also done my homework.
- You should also see a doctor.
3. Sometimes, also is placed at the beginning of the sentence:
- She was so mean. Also, she didn’t let us finish our work.
- It was so hot. Also, you could hardly see someone walking outside.
More Example Sentences With “Also”:
- I enjoy hiking, and I also love spending time by the beach.
- She is an excellent singer, and also a talented dancer.
- The team won the championship last year, and they also clinched the title this season.
- I finished my homework early, and I also completed the extra credit assignment.
- We decided to visit the museum first and also explore the nearby park afterward.
- The restaurant serves delicious pasta. They also offer a variety of tempting desserts.
- He is proficient in English. He is also fluent in Spanish.
- They enjoyed the movie, and they also relished the popcorn and snacks.
- The conference focused on technology trends. It also addressed the impact on various industries.
- The company is known for its innovative products. It also prioritizes sustainability in its operations.
Too
Too, like also, means in addition.
1. Too normally comes in the end position:
- I don’t know if Mary is coming too.
- She is beautiful, rich, and generous too.
- He looks exhausted. He must be sad too.
- Jane: I like playing tennis.
Mary: me too.
2. In formal situations, too may be placed immediately after the subject:
- You, too, should relax and have some fun.
- Nancy, too, wanted to help.
3. Too must never be put at the beginning of a sentence.
4. Too must not be confused with to and two
- to has 2 different meanings:
- It means toward – as in I went to Paris.
- It is also used with the base form of a verb to indicate that the verb is in the infinitive (e.g. to go, to play, to write, etc.).
- two, however, is a number.
More Example Sentences With “Too”:
- I love chocolate ice cream, and my sister does too.
- Sarah wants to join the hiking club, and her friend Tom does too.
- It’s getting late, and I’m tired too.
- Jenny is going to the party, and her brother wants to come too.
- I’ve been studying for hours, and I need a break too.
- They enjoyed the concert, and their neighbors did too.
- The children finished their homework early, and the teacher was impressed too.
- James likes playing video games, and his friends do too.
- She bought a new car, and her husband wants one too.
- The team worked hard to win the championship, and the coach was proud of them too.
- Sarah too is excited about the upcoming trip to the mountains.
- The team too has been practicing diligently for the upcoming tournament.
- Alex too enjoyed the movie that everyone raved about.
- The students too appreciated the guest speaker’s insightful presentation.
- My friend too will be joining us for dinner tonight.
As well
As well is used to add information. It normally comes in the end position:
- Forgiveness helps you let go of feelings and thoughts of resentment, bitterness, anger, and the need for vengeance. It is part of the healing process as well.
- The school provides courses in biotechnology and training in artificial intelligence as well.
The phrase as well as, however, may appear in the middle of a sentence, meaning and.
- He bought a stunning suit as well as an expensive watch.
- I have invited Jane as well as Nancy.
More Example Sentences With “As Well”:
- She is not only a talented musician but a skilled painter as well.
- I completed my work on time and submitted the report as well.
- The company offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits as well.
- He can speak French fluently and is proficient in Spanish as well.
- The conference covered important topics related to technology trends, as well as their impact on various industries.
- The team won the match, and the individual players performed exceptionally fantastic as well.
- The restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes, and their desserts are popular as well.
- The new software enhances productivity. It is user-friendly as well.
- The project manager not only oversees the planning phase but contributes ideas to the execution phase as well.
- The book is not only informative but engaging as well, making it a great read for all ages.