Also vs. Too — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Also" is used to add or include additional information, while "too" means "in addition" or "excessively," often coming at the end of a sentence.
Difference Between Also and Too
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Also" is often used within sentences to introduce additional information. For example, "She likes pizza. She also likes pasta." On the other hand, "too" generally appears at the end to convey a similar meaning, as in "She likes pizza too."
"Also" typically emphasizes another point or adds extra information, often at the beginning or middle of a sentence. "Too," on the contrary, is placed after the clause's main idea to stress similarity, like "I am too."
"Also" functions primarily as a conjunction, connecting ideas or facts. "Too" acts as an adverb to mean "additionally" or "as well," such as "They have many talents too."
In formal writing, "also" is more widely used, making it a versatile choice in different contexts. "Too" can be conversational or less formal, frequently adding a lighter tone.
"Also" cannot replace "too" when it comes to meaning "excessive." For instance, "It's also hot" doesn't convey the same sense as "It's too hot," which implies excessiveness.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Conjunction/adverb
Adverb
Position
Middle/beginning of a sentence
End of a sentence
Formality
More formal
Less formal
Meaning
Adds information
Adds information; indicates excess
Examples
"She also sings."
"He dances too much."
Compare with Definitions
Also
Moreover, indicating more of the same.
I studied history, also political science.
Too
Emphasizing a similar sentiment or perspective.
He felt neglected, and she did too.
Also
Furthermore, used to introduce another point.
The company is expanding its services; also, it's hiring new staff.
Too
Including something beyond expectations.
I bought tickets and snacks too.
Also
Used in formal documents to signify the inclusion of extra clauses.
The proposal, also known as Article 5, outlines the plan.
Too
In addition or besides.
They went to the concert, and we did too.
Also
Equally significant or important.
Quality is essential, but pricing is also crucial.
Too
To a higher degree than necessary or desired.
It was too hot to enjoy the day outside.
Also
Additionally or as well as.
She also enjoys reading books.
Too
Used for confirming agreement with a positive statement.
I loved that book! Me too!
Also
In addition; too
Dyslexia, also known as word blindness
A brilliant linguist, he was also interested in botany
Also, a car is very expensive to run
Too
To a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively
He wore suits that seemed a size too small for him
He was driving too fast
Also
In addition; besides.
Too
In addition; also
Is he coming too?
Also
Likewise; too
If you will stay, I will also.
Too
In addition; also
He's coming along too.
Also
And in addition
It's a pretty cat, also friendly.
Too
More than enough; excessively
She worries too much.
Also
In addition; besides; as well; further; too.
Everyone had eggs for breakfast, but Alice also had toast.
Too
To a regrettable degree
My error was all too apparent.
Also
(obsolete) To the same degree or extent; so, as.
Too
Very; extremely; immensely
He's only too willing to be of service.
Also
In like manner; likewise.
Too
(Informal) Indeed; so
You will too do it!.
Also
In addition; besides; as well; further; too.
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Too
(focus) Likewise.
Also
Even as; as; so.
Too
(conjunctive) Also; in addition.
Also
In addition;
He has a Mercedes, too
Too
(degree) To an excessive degree; over; more than enough.
Too
To a high degree, very.
She doesn't talk too much.
I'm not too sure about this.
Too
Used to contradict a negative assertion.
"You're not old enough yet." ― "I am, too!"
Too
Used for emphasis, without reference to any previous statement.
Too
Over; more than enough; - noting excess; as, a thing is too long, too short, or too wide; too high; too many; too much.
His will, too strong to bend, too proud to learn.
Too
Likewise; also; in addition.
An honest courtier, yet a patriot too.
Let those eyes that viewThe daring crime, behold the vengeance too.
O that this too too solid flesh would melt.
Such is not Charles his too too active age.
Too
To an excessive degree;
Too big
Too
In addition;
He has a Mercedes, too
Common Curiosities
Can "too" come at the beginning of a sentence?
It's rare, but "too" can start a sentence in specific contexts like "Too, they had to consider other factors."
Can "also" and "too" be used interchangeably?
Not always. They both indicate addition, but "too" is less formal and appears at the end of sentences.
Is "also" more suitable for formal writing than "too"?
Yes, "also" tends to be more formal, while "too" fits informal contexts.
What is the primary function of "also" in a sentence?
"Also" serves to introduce additional information or ideas that supplement the main statement.
Can "too" mean "excessively"?
Yes, "too" can denote excessiveness, as in "It's too hot."
Are there any synonyms for "also" that cannot be used interchangeably with "too"?
Yes, synonyms like "furthermore" or "moreover" serve similar functions as "also" but are not interchangeable with "too" due to differences in formality and placement.
What grammatical role does "also" play when linking sentences?
"Also" acts as a conjunction or transitional adverb, helping to connect clauses or sentences by adding related information.
Where is "also" typically positioned in a sentence?
"Also" usually appears near the start or middle of sentences.
In what contexts might "too" be inappropriate?
"Too" might be inappropriate in very formal writing or when a clear and more formal expression is required.
How does the placement of "too" affect its meaning?
When "too" is placed at the end of a sentence, it typically adds agreement or similarity. When used elsewhere, it often emphasizes excessiveness.
Can "also" appear at the end of a sentence?
Rarely, as "also" is generally used to link ideas within a sentence, making its typical placement at the beginning or middle.
Is "too" suitable for academic writing?
"Too" can be used in academic writing, but its use should be carefully considered for tone and formality, opting for "also" if a more formal tone is needed.
Does "too" have any synonyms that convey its sense of excessiveness?
Synonyms like "excessively" or "overly" share the connotation of excessiveness similar to "too."
How might the misuse of "too" affect the clarity of communication?
Misusing "too" might lead to ambiguity or unintended emphasis, especially if used to indicate addition when the context calls for moderation or neutrality.
How can replacing "also" with "too" change a sentence's tone?
Replacing "also" with "too" can make the sentence sound more conversational and possibly less formal.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
