The best synonyms for “also” include too, as well, in addition, furthermore, moreover, besides, additionally, and likewise. Which one you pick depends on tone: formal writing calls for words like furthermore or moreover, while casual speech favors too or as well. This guide sorts the best alternatives by context so you always pick a word that fits.
What Does “Also” Mean? (Quick Answer)
“Also” is an adverb that adds new information connected to something already mentioned. It signals that a second fact, action, or item belongs alongside the first one.
Example: She teaches yoga. She also runs a small bakery.
Definition and Core Meaning
At its core, “also” means “in addition to what has already been said.” It links two related pieces of information without suggesting contrast or surprise. If you say “The hotel has a pool. It also has a gym,” you’re simply stacking one fact on top of another, not comparing them.
“Also” can occasionally appear in less common academic or legal writing to introduce a supporting clause at the start of a paragraph, but its everyday job is the same: adding.
Part of Speech and Word Origin
“Also” functions as an adverb in virtually all modern usage. Some grammar sites note it can informally modify a whole clause rather than a single verb, but it does not have separate noun, verb, or adjective forms.
The word traces back to Old English alswā, a combination of all and so, originally meaning “quite so” or “in that manner.” Over centuries, its meaning narrowed from “similarly” to the modern sense of “in addition.”
Pronunciation and Syllables
“Also” has two syllables, with stress on the first one: AWL-soh.
| Variety | IPA | Simple phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| US English | /ˈɑːl.soʊ/ | AWL-soh |
| UK English | /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ | AWL-soh |
The main US/UK difference is the vowel quality in the first syllable — otherwise the pronunciations are nearly identical.
How to Use “Also” Correctly in a Sentence
“Also” is flexible, but its position changes slightly depending on the sentence structure.
Where to Place “Also” (Beginning, Middle, End)
“Also” typically sits in the middle of a sentence — right before the main verb, or right after an auxiliary verb (like have, is, can, will):
- I also enjoy hiking. (before the main verb)
- She has also applied for the internship. (after the auxiliary)
- He is also studying French. (after “is”)
“Also” can start a sentence when it introduces a new point that connects back to the previous sentence: We finished the report early. Also, we found two errors in the budget.
Placing “also” at the very end of a sentence is grammatically possible but sounds old-fashioned in American English; most writers use too or as well there instead.
Comma Rules with “Also”
When “also” opens a sentence and connects it to the idea before it, it’s usually followed by a comma: Also, remember to bring your ID.
When “also” sits in its normal mid-sentence position, no comma is needed: She also mentioned the deadline.
A comma before “also” at the end of a sentence is a stylistic choice, not a strict rule — it depends on whether you want a slight pause for emphasis.
Can You Start a Sentence with “Also”?
Yes. Starting a sentence with “also” is grammatically correct and common in both writing and speech, as long as it’s followed by a comma and connects logically to the sentence before it. Some formal style guides prefer In addition or Furthermore for a slightly more polished tone.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Also + Verb
They also volunteer at the shelter on weekends.
Subject + Helping Verb + Also
We have also considered a smaller venue.
Also at the Beginning of a Sentence
Also, the printer on the third floor is out of toner.
Examples of “Also” in Everyday English
Conversation and Texting
I’m grabbing coffee. Also, do you want anything from the bakery?
School and Academic Writing
The experiment tested temperature effects. The researchers also measured humidity levels.
Work Email and Business Writing
Please review the attached proposal. Also, let me know if Thursday still works for the call.
Synonyms for Also by Context
Not every synonym fits every situation. Here’s how to match the word to the tone.
Formal, Academic & Business Synonyms
These work well in essays, reports, and professional emails:
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- In addition
- Additionally
- Besides
- What is more
- In addition to this
- Correspondingly
- Similarly
Example: The proposal reduces costs. Furthermore, it shortens the delivery timeline by two weeks.
Informal & Everyday Synonyms
These sound natural in conversation, texting, and casual writing:
- Too
- As well
- Plus
- On top of that
- Not to mention
- And another thing
- Same here
- Along with that
Example: The movie was great, and the popcorn was fresh too.
Antonyms of Also: Words That Mean the Opposite
Since “also” adds information, its opposites signal exclusion, contrast, or subtraction rather than addition:
- However
- Instead
- Otherwise
- Except
- Excluding
- Nonetheless
- Conversely
- Rather
Example: He didn’t call. Instead, he sent a text.
“Also” vs. Similar Words: Key Differences
“Also” vs. “Too”
Both mean “in addition,” but they sit in different spots. “Also” goes before the main verb or after an auxiliary; “too” usually goes at the end of a sentence and fits casual speech better.
I also want pizza. / I want pizza too.
“Also” vs. “As Well”
“As well” behaves like “too” — it goes at the end of a clause and leans slightly more toward spoken or semi-formal English than “also.”
She’s learning Spanish as well.
“Also” vs. “Moreover”
“Moreover” is stronger and more formal. It doesn’t just add information — it emphasizes that the new point strengthens or builds on the previous one, often used to introduce a more important or persuasive fact.
The plan saves money. Moreover, it reduces environmental impact significantly.
“Also” vs. “Besides”
“Besides” can mean “in addition to,” but it often carries a slightly dismissive or persuasive tone, as if adding a final, clinching reason.
I don’t want to go. Besides, I have work to finish.
“Also” vs. “Additionally” and “In Addition”
“Additionally” and “in addition” are near-exact formal substitutes for “also,” commonly used in academic and business writing to open a new sentence or paragraph.
The software is faster. Additionally, it uses less memory.
None of these words are fully interchangeable — swapping “also” for “moreover” or “besides” without checking the tone can make a sentence sound stronger or more argumentative than intended.
Common Phrases and Expressions with “Also”
“As Well As”
Used to connect two items in the middle of a sentence, similar to “and”: She manages the team as well as the budget.
“Not Only… But Also”
A correlative pair used for emphasis: He is not only talented but also incredibly hardworking.
“In Addition To”
A more formal connector, often placed at the start of a sentence: In addition to teaching, she writes a weekly newsletter.
Common Mistakes When Using “Also” (and How to Fix Them)
Overusing “Also” in One Paragraph
Incorrect: The report is late. It is also incomplete. It is also missing the appendix. Correct: The report is late, incomplete, and missing the appendix. Explanation: Repeating “also” in short succession feels choppy. Combine ideas or vary your connector words.
Mismatching Formality
Incorrect: The board approved the merger. Besides, the CEO signed off on it. (in a casual text message) Correct: The board approved the merger. Also, the CEO signed off on it. Explanation: “Besides” can sound overly formal or persuasive for a casual message; save it for writing that needs a stronger, more deliberate tone.
Wrong Sentence Position
Incorrect: She also is joining the trip. Correct: She is also joining the trip. Explanation: “Also” goes after the auxiliary verb “is,” not before it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for “also”? Common alternatives include too, as well, in addition, additionally, furthermore, moreover, and besides. The best choice depends on how formal your writing needs to be.
Is “also” formal or informal? “Also” is neutral — it works comfortably in both casual and formal writing. It’s a safe default when you’re unsure which synonym fits.
Can you start a sentence with “also”? Yes. It’s grammatically correct to begin a sentence with “also,” typically followed by a comma, as long as it connects to the previous sentence’s idea.
Do you need a comma after “also” at the start of a sentence? Usually, yes. When “also” introduces a new, related point at the start of a sentence, a comma follows it for a natural pause.
What’s the difference between “also” and “too”? They mean the same thing, but “too” goes at the end of a sentence and sounds more casual, while “also” sits before the main verb and works in both casual and formal contexts.
What’s the difference between “also” and “as well”? “As well” behaves like “too” — placed at the end of a clause — and is common in speech. “Also” is more flexible in position and slightly more common in writing.
Is “moreover” a good substitute for “also” in academic writing? Yes, but only when the new point strengthens or builds on the previous one. “Moreover” carries more emphasis than a simple “also.”
Where does “also” go in a sentence with a helping verb? It goes right after the first helping verb, such as in “She has also finished the assignment.”
What’s the opposite of “also”? Words like however, instead, and otherwise work as opposites, since they signal contrast or exclusion instead of addition.
Is it wrong to use “also” too many times in an essay? It’s not grammatically wrong, but repeating it too often makes writing feel repetitive. Vary your connectors with words like furthermore, in addition, or besides.
What is a formal synonym for “also” in business emails? “Additionally” and “In addition” are reliable, professional substitutes that fit most workplace writing.
Can “also” be used in negative sentences? Not typically. English usually replaces “also” with either in negative sentences, as in “I don’t like coffee, and I don’t like tea either,” rather than “also.”
Choosing the Right Word for “Also”
“Also” is a flexible adverb that adds related information, and its best substitute always depends on tone. Use too or as well in casual writing, and furthermore, moreover, or additionally when you need something more formal. When in doubt, “also” itself is almost always a safe, natural choice.
