Too (tuː) and also (ɔːlsoʊ) are both adverbs that mean ‘in addition’. The difference is their position in the sentence. Adding extra information – e.g. Jamie bought some milk. He bought some bread too. Or Jamie bought some milk. He also bought some bread. Adding emphasis – e.g. Emma can play the guitar. She can play the piano too. Or Emma can play the guitar. She can also play the piano.
Too and also mean the same in most contexts. Whether we want to use them to add additional information or emphasise something, the main difference between them is their position in the sentence. Too mostly comes at the end of a sentence, whereas also often comes before the main verb:
In both sentences, we use too and also to add an extra idea to the first one. The same position rules apply when we want to express emphasis:
In these sentences, we want to express that Ali has a lot of work by adding extra items to his workload. Despite the change in meaning, the word position remains the same.
Another reason we use too and also is to talk about similarity – often to show that people feel the same or want to do the same thing. Again, the word positions are the same:
The word position for too in these situations is easy – it always goes at the end. However, also is a bit trickier. We said that also comes before the main verb, but sometimes it might be difficult to decide what the main verb is! The main verb is the action in the sentence, and we put also before this one. If there is an auxiliary verb (an extra verb we use to make a tense or mood), it goes after it. Here are some examples of also in the correct and incorrect position:
Sent is the action, so also needs to go before it.
Will is a verb, but it’s not the action verb, which is sent.
In British English, we put also in this position most of the time. However, in American English, they put also at the end of a sentence as well:
Another thing to consider when using too and also is whether you are speaking or writing. In written English, it is more common to use also:
When writing, it is common to see also at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma:
In written English, we use phrases such as, In addition, moreover, additionally and furthermore as synonyms for also. These all go at the beginning of the sentence followed by a comma – e.g. Furthermore, please inform me when...
Too is more often used in spoken English. It is also worth talking about another similar adverb to also and too here: as well. When we want to use too to add extra information, similarity or emphasis, we can use as well. To make things easy, as well goes at the end of a sentence (like too):
As well is also much more common in spoken English than in writing.
It is possible to use too and also before adjectives. In these instances, there can be a difference in meaning and sentence position.
As we said earlier, we can use also and too (and as well) to talk about similarity – to show that people feel the same way or want to do the same action. It is common to have an adjective in this type of sentence:
The adjective in these sentences is bored. Notice that we put also before the adjective, but we put too (and as well) at the end of the sentence.
The most common phrase you will here in spoken English to express similarity or agreement is ‘me too’:
Speaker A: I like chocolate cake.
Speaker B: Me too!
One other thing about too and word position: it is possible that you will see it in the same position as also when expressing similarity or agreement:
In his instance, too comes before the main verb. However, it is a very formal use of too in this way. We can never put as well in this position.
There is another instance when we only use too before an adjective. This is when too has the same meaning as another adverb: excessively – e.g. It’s too hot to go outside means the same as It’s excessively hot to go outside. When too means ‘an excess or too much of something’, it moves position – it goes before the adjective:
We can also use the excessive too before nouns with many or much:
All these meanings and sentence positions are a bit confusing, so here’s a table to summarise them:
| Use / position | Too (mostly used in speaking) | Also (mostly used in writing) |
| Extra information | At the end: We went to the zoo. We ate lunch there too. (same for as well) | Before the action verb: We went to the zoo. We also ate lunch there. |
| Emphasis | At the end: I have a horse, and I have five dogs too. (same for as well) | Before action verb: I have a horse, and I also have five dogs. |
| Similarity | At the end: Brad likes pizza too. (same for as well) | Before action verb: Brad also likes pizza. |
| Before an adjective (similarity) | At the end: Dan is interested in the course too. (same for as well) | Before adjective: Dan is also interested in the course. |
| Before an adjective or noun (excess) | Before adjective: The table is too dirty to eat on. | _ |
Adverb: ‘in addition to what was said previously’.
Synonyms: moreover, furthermore, also, as well, additionally.
Set expressions: too little too late, too many cooks spoil the broth, go too far, too good to be true.
Additional meanings:
Examples with too in a sentence:
Adverb: ‘in addition to what was said previously’.
Synonyms: moreover, furthermore, too, as well, additionally.
Set expressions: also known as (AKA).
Additional meanings:
Examples with also in a sentence:
You too will be a master of also and too after completing this quiz! Don’t worry, it’s not too difficult. Also, you need to think about when you can use as well. Use British English, unless asked specifically about American usage. For more on similar topics, check out our full article on confusing words in English!
Answers:
Sam Savage is a TEFL-qualified English tutor and writer from England. After gaining his TEFL qualification, he started teaching English in Spain in 2009. During this time, he also worked as an editor/translator for art organisations and publications in Madrid. He later returned home and graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a MA in Critical and Creative Writing. In his free time, he enjoys all things cultural, especially writing fiction. Sam is also a published author.
