Quick answer: Both also and too mean “in addition”. Also is more formal and goes before the main verb or after “be”: She also speaks French. Too is more informal and goes at the end of the clause: She speaks French too. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘also’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Register | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| also | neutral / formal | before main verb; after auxiliary | He also plays guitar. |
| too | informal / spoken | end of clause | He plays guitar too. |
Using Also
Also is the more formal of the two. It typically appears in mid-position: between the subject and main verb, or after an auxiliary verb. It is common in writing, presentations, and professional speech.
I also enjoy cooking.
She has also visited Rome.
The report also highlights costs.
We can also arrange delivery.
Also at the Start of a Sentence
In written English, also can begin a sentence to link ideas, similar to “furthermore”. This is common in essays and formal writing.
Also, the price includes VAT.
Also worth noting is the deadline.
Using Too
Too is the natural choice in everyday conversation. It goes at the end of the clause, often separated by a comma in writing. It can refer to the subject or any other element being added.
I enjoy cooking too.
She has visited Rome too.
“I’m tired.” “Me too.”
Can we arrange delivery too?
Common Mistakes
✗ I too enjoy cooking. (sounds unnatural in modern British English)
✓ I enjoy cooking too. or I also enjoy cooking.
✗ She speaks French also. (grammatically possible but awkward)
✓ She also speaks French. or She speaks French too.
✗ I want to come to.
✓ I want to come too. (too = in addition; to = preposition; two = number)
Also compare: Although vs Though. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Also or Too?
Four questions — choose the correct word.
1. “She ___ speaks German.” (formal writing)
2. “I’m hungry.” “Me ___.”
3. “The package includes a warranty ___.” (casual)
4. “___, the price includes VAT.” (linking idea in essay)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between also and too?
Both mean “in addition”. Also is more formal and sits in mid-position (before the main verb). Too is more informal and goes at the end of the clause.
Where does also go in a sentence?
Also typically goes between the subject and main verb: “She also plays piano.” After an auxiliary it sits between auxiliary and main verb: “She has also played.” It can also start a sentence to link ideas: “Also, the fee includes VAT.”
Where does too go in a sentence?
Too goes at the end of the clause: “She plays piano too.” In writing, it is sometimes preceded by a comma for clarity: “She plays piano, too.”
Can also go at the end of a sentence?
It is possible but sounds awkward in British English: “She plays piano also.” Native speakers strongly prefer mid-position for also and end-position for too.
Is “me too” or “me also” correct?
In spoken replies, “Me too” is standard and natural. “Me also” is not used in native English as a short response.
Can I use also at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, especially in formal or written English to add a further point: “Also, you should check the deadline.” This is common in essays and reports.
What about “as well”? Is it the same as too?
As well is very similar to too and goes at the end of a clause: “She plays piano as well.” It is slightly more formal than too but less formal than also.
Are also and too interchangeable?
They are interchangeable in meaning but not always in position or register. In formal writing prefer also in mid-position. In conversation, too at the end sounds more natural.
How do I use also in a negative sentence?
In negative sentences, also and too are replaced by either: “I don’t like it either.” / “She hasn’t called either.” Using also or too in negatives is a common mistake.
Which is more common in IELTS writing — also or too?
In IELTS essays, also is preferred as it demonstrates formal register. Too is fine in letter/email tasks (General Training) but may sound too casual for academic Task 2 essays.