What does also mean?
Also is one of the most frequently used adverbs in English, meaning 'in addition' or 'as well.' It signals that a second fact, quality, or item exists alongside one already mentioned: 'She speaks French and also German.' Unlike its close cousin 'too,' which usually sits at the end of a sentence, also typically appears before the word or clause it modifies and can even open a statement, as in 'Also, please bring your ID.' This flexibility makes it indispensable in both casual conversation and formal writing, where it often serves to build an argument point by point. The word carries no emotional connotation — it is purely connective — yet that neutrality is precisely its strength. Descended from the Old English compound eallswā ('all so'), also has served English speakers as a linker of ideas for more than a millennium, making it both a linguistic workhorse and a quiet survivor of the language's earliest recorded form.
adverbIn addition; as well; used to indicate that something else is true, present, or included besides what has already been mentioned.
- In addition; as well — indicating that something further is true or included beyond what has been stated.
- Likewise; in the same way — used to draw a parallel between two things.
"She plays the violin, and she also sings in the church choir."
"The hotel has a pool, and it also offers free breakfast."
"He was tired, and his wife was also exhausted after the long drive."
"Also" is one of the oldest words in English — it descends almost unchanged from Old English "eallswā," meaning "all so," over a thousand years ago.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of also
Also derives from the Old English eallswā, a compound of eall ('all') and swā ('so'), meaning 'all so' or 'in every way likewise.' It shares this Proto-Germanic root *swō with related English words such as 'so,' 'as,' and 'such,' which all express manner or similarity. The word has remained remarkably stable across more than a thousand years of English, surviving into Middle English as 'al-so' or 'als' before settling into its modern form.
How also is actually used
Also is neutral in register and works in both formal and informal contexts. It typically appears mid-sentence rather than at the end, where 'too' is more natural; unlike 'too,' it can begin a sentence or clause ('Also, I wanted to mention...'), which gives it a slightly more deliberate, structured feel.
Easily confused with also
Alto is a musical voice range or instrument, whereas also is an adverb meaning 'in addition'; the two merely share a similar sound.