Also, as well and too can be confusing.
The other day I received a WhatsApp from someone and they replied to a message saying : I´ve been busy also.
To me that doesn’t sound very natural. It would sound better to say: I’ve been busy too or I´ve been busy as well.
I can understand how people find it confusing, so here´s how to use also, as well and too:
They are all adverbs and add additional information. The only difference is where they are put in a sentence.
As well and too
As well and too are used at the end of a sentence:
- I love Game of Thrones too!
- I’m going to the movies as well.
- I´m tired as well.
- I´m tired too.
As well is slightly more elegant than too. It is also much more commonly used in speaking than in writing.
Also
Also is normally used before the verb, here´s some examples:
- The hotel also provides umbrellas for their guests.
- The staff at the hotel also found the umbrellas useful.
You don’t usually use also at the end of a sentence as it doesn’t sound natural.
- I am going to Emma’s wedding also.
- I am going to Emma’s wedding too.
- I am going to Emma’s wedding as well.
Can you notice that the “Emma’s wedding also” doesn’t sound right?
You should say: I am also going to Emma´s wedding.
In this example Also is placed after the verb, that’s because it’s a rule that Also goes after the verb to be and another rule is Also goes after modal verbs (can, must, would, shall, will, should, could, may and might.)
Dan: I´m really good at playing tennis but I still need lessons.
Jane: I can play tennis but I must also have lessons if I want to improve
(after modal)
Anna: I keep forgetting my keys!
Luke: Don’t worry, I´m also very forgetful. (Verb to be)
Anna: I´m also tired, maybe that’s why I am forgetting things. (Verb to be)
In short answers to questions
Anna: I really enjoyed the film.
Luke: Me also
You don’t put also at the end of a sentence: it is better to say me too, it sounds more natural.
Too
Too is not only used to add additional information, it is also used to express something in excess:
- This tomato soup is too salty.
- This suitcase is too heavy.