Difference Between Also and Too

Also vs. too

It’s fun to be creative with the things that you say and how you say them, but sometimes you also have to remember that there are proper usages for everything ‘“ even adverbs. When you write formally, grammatical errors are unacceptable. That is why it would be better if you were to practice writing out ideas and answers using the right words, because whether you like it or not, the way you speak will differ from the way you should write formally.

‘Also’ and ‘too’ are among some of the most incorrectly used adverbs in the English language. Yes, both are similar; they are used in sentences or phrases to give the sense of ‘in addition’ and are sometimes interchangeable. There are, however, many times when these two adverbs should be used differently, which means that ‘too’ cannot replace ‘also’ and vice versa. Learning about this may not make a huge difference in your life, but once you pass this knowledge on to people who are younger than you,, the world would sound so much better than it does now.

Let’s start off with the adverb ‘too’. This adverb is different from ‘also’ as it is commonly placed at the very end of a clause. For example: ‘I love you too’, ‘I am studying French too’, and other clauses or sentences. ‘Too’ is used in sentences or phrases with the sense of the following: 1.) In addition: Mary is coming along too 2.) Excessively or more than enough: My mother worries too much 3.) Regrettable degrees: Her fault was way too obvious 4.) Extreme or immense: Steve’s too willing to be used as my pawn. 5.) Formal use separated by comma: I, too, believe that Isabella is innocent. 6.) Informal version of ‘indeed’ and so: You will too eat it!

‘Also’ on the other hand, is an adverb which is sometimes used to start sentences. There has been debate about whether this usage is improper or inappropriate; however, it has been deemed acceptable by the ‘Usage Panel.’ An example of this usage of ‘also’ to start a sentence is: ‘The insurance covered the damage fee. Also, it paid for the hospital expenses.’ Other situations where ‘also’ is used is when 1.) it will be used as a sentence modifier: Ivan also speaks French as well as Diana. Notice that the adverb ‘also’ in this sentence is placed before the verb. 2.) Sentence connector in place of ‘besides’ and ‘moreover’: Alfred was found guilty, and also his partner in crime, Laura.

So when are the times or instances when ‘also’ and ‘too’ cannot and should not be used interchangeably? Sample sentences for these are the following: I adore you too, NOT I adore you also. This sentence shows that ‘too’ can be replaced by ‘also’ if, and only if, person A, who said the first sentence, also adored another person besides person B. Another example: Arnold and Abby are headed to the cinema. I’m on my way there too. NOT Arnold and Abby are headed to the cinema. I’m on my way there also. Notice that it’s awkward to place ‘also’ at the very end of a sentence. It should only be used before the verb.

SUMMARY:

1. ‘Also’ and ‘too’ are adverbs that mean the same but should be used in different ways.
2. ‘Also’ should be used before the verb. ‘Too’, on the other hand, should be placed at the end of a clause. There are, however, exceptions to these rules.

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