Also, as well and too

1 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'; 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 not only sings; she plays the piano too.

2 reference

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

a (Other people have meetings on Sundays, and) we have meetings on Sundays as well.

b (We do other things on Sundays, and) we have meetings on Sundays as well.

c (We have meetings on other days, and) we have meetings on Sundays as well.

When we speak, we show the exact meaning by stressing the word or expression that also/as well/too refers to.

3 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."! 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 or lam too, but not I also.

4 also referring to a whole clause

Also can be used at the beginning of a clause to refer to the whole clause. It's a nice house, but it's very small. Also, it needs a lot of repairs.

5 too in a formal style

In a formal or literary style, too can be placed direcdy after the subject. I, too, have experienced despair.

6 also, as well, too and either in negative clauses

a) negative + negative: either

After mentioning a negative idea or fact, we can add another negative point by using not... either. Also, as well and too are not normally used with not in this way.

Peter isn't here today. John isn't here either.

(not John isn't here also.) I know you don't like me.

I don't like you either. (not I don't like you too.)

b) affirmative + negative: also/as well/too

After mentioning an affirmative (non-negative) fact or idea, we can add a related negative idea by using not... also, not ...as well or not... too.

He smokes too much, but at least he doesn't also drink too much.

That day, for the first time since her husband had died a year before, she was glad that she had not died as well.

You can have an apple, but you can't have an orange too.