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also, as well and too

Position​

Also, as well and too have similar meanings, but they do not go in the same position in clauses. Also usually goes with the verb, in mid-position (see here); as well and too usually go at the end of a clause. As well is less common in American English.

  • She not only sings; she also plays the piano.
  • She not only sings; she plays the piano as well.
  • She doesn’t just sing, she plays the piano too.

As well and too do not go at the beginning of a clause. Also can go at the beginning of a clause to give more importance to a new piece of information.

  • It’s a nice house, but it’s very small. Also, it needs a lot of repairs.

Reference​

These words can refer to different parts of a clause, depending on the meaning. Consider the sentence We work on Saturdays as well. This can mean three different things:

  1. (Other people work on Saturdays, and) we work on Saturdays as well.
  2. (We do other things on Saturdays, and) we work on Saturdays as well.
  3. (We work on other days, and) we work on Saturdays as well.
    When we speak, we show the exact meaning by stressing the word or expression that also / as well / too refers to.

Imperatives and short answers​

As well and too are used in imperatives and short answers, but not usually also.

  • Give me some bread as well, please. (More natural than Also give me …)
  • ‘She’s nice.’ ‘Her sister is as well.’ (More natural than Her sister is also.)
  • ‘I’ve got a headache.’ ‘I have too.’ (More natural than I also have.)

In very informal speech, we often use Me too as a short answer.

  • ‘I’m going home.’ ‘Me too.’

More formal equivalents are So am I (see here) or I am too (but not I also).

too in a formal style​

In a formal or literary style, too can be placed directly after the subject.

  • I, too, have experienced despair.
note

For also, as well, too and either in negative clauses, (see here).

For also and even, (see here).

For as well as, (see here).