Difference Between Also and Too

Main Difference – Also vs Too

Also and too are adverbs which are often confused by many English learners since they have similar meanings. In fact, they are interchangeable in many cases. However, there is a slight difference in meaning and usage of these two adverbs. The main difference between also and too is their position in a sentence. Also usually occurs before the verb whereas too often comes at the end of a sentence.

Also – Meaning and Usage

Also is a very commonly used adverb. Also conveys the meaning as well, too, and in addition. Also usually goes before the verb or adjective of a sentence. It’s interesting to note that the meaning conveyed by also in a sentence can be replaced by too. However, also cannot be directly replaced by too; its position in a sentence has to be changed. In the following two sentences, the meaning conveyed by adverbs is the same, but the word order of the second sentence looks odd.

I like him too.→ I like him also.

Therefore, when we replace also with too, the word order of the sentence has to be changed. For example,

Is he also coming with us? → Is he coming with us too?

She was also interested in zoology. → She was interested in zoology too.

You can also join them. → You can join them too.

Richard I is also known as “Richard the Lionheart.”→ Richard I is known as “Richard the Lionheart” too.

They also bought a new dining table. → They bought a new dining table too.

Passerelle is also known as the viaduct or old bridge.

Too – Meaning and Usage

This adverb can be used in two ways since it has two basic meanings. One meaning of too is quite similar to that of also. When too means in addition, as well, etc. it can be replaced by also. But too more often comes at the end of a sentence, unlike also. For example,

I want it too. → I also want it.

Children can help this cause too.→ Children can also help this cause.

We accept donations from foreigners too. → We also accept donations from foreigners.

The second meaning of too is excessively or extremely. Too usually occurs before an adjective when this second meaning is conveyed. It is important to note that too cannot be replaced by also in such sentences.

He was singing too loud.

You are being too careful.

She is too beautiful to remain single.

It is also important to note that both these writings should be avoided in formal writing. You can use more formal synonyms such as in addition, as well, moreover, etc.