What is the Difference Between Also and As Well?

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The words "also," "as well," and "too" are used to show similarity or sameness. They are adverbs that mean 'in addition' and can be used interchangeably in many situations, but there are some differences in their usage:

  1. Also: This word is more common in writing than in speech and is usually placed before the verb or adjective in a sentence. For example:
  • I also play soccer.
  • The apples are also delicious.
  1. As well: This phrase is a little more formal than "too" and is less common in American spoken English, although it is used in writing. It is often placed at the end of a sentence. For example:
  • She also plays soccer as well.
  • The apples are delicious as well.
  1. Too: This word is the most informal and is often used in American spoken English. It is typically placed at the end of a sentence. For example:
  • I play soccer, too.
  • The apples are delicious, too.

In summary, "also" is more common in writing and usually goes before the verb or adjective, "as well" is more formal and typically goes at the end of a sentence, and "too" is more informal and often used in speech.

Comparative Table: Also vs As Well

The following table highlights the differences between "also," "as well," and "too":

Word Position in the sentence Usage
also Usually before a verb, after an auxiliary verb, or at the beginning of a clause Commonly used in writing and provides additional information about something
too At the end of a clause or after the first noun phrase in a clause Adds a brief comment on something that has just been mentioned
as well At the end of a clause Similar to "also," but less common in written English

In summary, "also," "too," and "as well" are used to add information to a statement, but they are used in slightly different ways. "Also" is commonly used in writing and goes before a verb or after an auxiliary verb. "Too" is used at the end of a clause or after the first noun phrase, often to add a brief comment on something that has just been mentioned. "As well" is similar to "also" but is less common in written English and always goes at the end of a clause.