English Café: “Too” and “Also” – What's the Difference?

Advanced Details: Too and Also: What’s the difference?

How can I use “too” in a sentence? “Too” is the most informal but is often the best choice when speaking American English. “As well” is a little more formal than “too” and less common in American spoken English. Many Americans do use it in writing, however. “Also” is generally more common in writing than speech.

How to use too: Too is also a useful little word, but it’s not a preposition like to, and it doesn't have as many meanings. You can use it instead of “besides,” “in addition,” “also,” or “as well.” But you can use it for other things, too, like when you want to indicate excessiveness, e.g., Be careful. The engine is still too hot to touch with your hands.

How can I use “also” in a sentence? Example Sentences:

1. Pun is a talented singer and also a fine actress.
2. Thomas Edison is best known for inventing the lightbulb, but he also invented the phonograph.
3. I don’t think we should go out. Not only is it late, but it’s also snowing.
4. My neighbors were also at the show that night.

Can I start a sentence with also?

The answer is yes! It's perfectly okay to start a sentence with also in both formal and informal writing, as long as that sentence continues the same train of thought as the previous sentence.

Can you end a sentence with also?

Sure! There is no rule that limits the use of also, however, it's better to use “as well/either/too” towards the end of the sentence. Usually, English speakers use “also” towards the end of the sentence in ONLY Spoken English and not Written English.

What other words can I use instead of also in a sentence? Also, can be used in many ways, not only to mean “in addition.” You can use it to mean

• similarly
• analogous to
• of course
• really
• likewise
• above all
• certainly
• in truth
• in like fashion
• indeed
• surely
• again
• in like manner
• truly
• in fact
• besides