The word “also” is a common and useful addition to our vocabulary, but relying on it too frequently can make your writing and speech sound repetitive. Just as a painter uses a variety of colors, such as crimson, cerulean, and gold, to create a vibrant piece, a skilled communicator employs a range of expressions to convey similar meanings. Exploring alternatives like “in addition,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” “as well,” “too,” and “besides” can enrich your language, add nuance, and maintain listener or reader engagement. This article will explore various ways to express the idea of “also,” providing definitions, examples, and practice exercises to help you diversify your communication skills.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Basic Understanding
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Basic Understanding
The word “also” functions as an adverb, meaning “in addition” or “too.” It is used to add information or emphasize a point already made. However, relying solely on “also” can make your writing or speech sound monotonous. Exploring alternative phrases and words allows for richer and more engaging communication. These alternatives, including adverbs, conjunctive adverbs, prepositional phrases and conjunctions, enable you to express addition with greater precision and style. For example, consider the difference between saying “I like pizza, also I like pasta” versus “I like pizza; furthermore, I enjoy pasta.” The latter sounds more sophisticated and connects the ideas more smoothly. Understanding these nuances is key to effective communication.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structural breakdown of alternatives to “also” involves recognizing the grammatical function of each option. Adverbs such as “too,” “besides,” and “moreover” can often stand alone or modify a verb. Conjunctive adverbs like “furthermore,” “therefore,” “however,” and “consequently” connect two independent clauses, often requiring a semicolon before them and a comma after. Prepositional phrases, such as “in addition to” and “as well as,” introduce additional information and require appropriate sentence structure to maintain grammatical correctness. Finally, coordinating conjunctions like “and” also add information. Understanding these structures allows for their proper use in sentences.
The placement of these alternatives also matters. “Too” usually comes at the end of a clause, whereas “also” typically appears before the main verb. Conjunctive adverbs usually begin the second clause, adding a level of formality. Prepositional phrases often start a sentence or clause, providing context for the additional information. Recognizing these structural differences is crucial for effective communication and grammatical accuracy. For example, you might say, “She enjoys hiking. She enjoys camping, too.” or “She enjoys hiking; furthermore, she enjoys camping.”
Types and Categories
There are several categories of words and phrases that can be used as alternatives to “also,” each with its own nuances and structural requirements.
Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often indicating manner, time, place, or degree. In the context of replacing “also,” adverbs like “too,” “besides,” and “moreover” can be used to add information. For instance, “She sings beautifully; she dances well, too.” Here, “too” simply adds another activity she excels at.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses by indicating the relationship between them. Words like “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition,” “besides,” “similarly,” and “likewise” can be used to introduce additional information or support the previous statement. For example, “He is an excellent student; furthermore, he is a talented athlete.” These adverbs need to be punctuated correctly, typically with a semicolon before and a comma after.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object, functioning as an adjective or adverb. Phrases like “in addition to,” “as well as,” and “along with” can be used as alternatives to “also.” For instance, “In addition to her academic achievements, she is actively involved in community service.” These phrases add detail and often provide a smoother transition when introducing supplementary information.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal grammatical rank. The most common coordinating conjunctions are “for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so”. The conjunction “and” can be used to add information, similarly to “also”. For example, “She likes to read books and watch movies.”
Examples
To illustrate the various alternatives to “also,” here are several examples categorized by type.
Adverbs Examples
This table provides examples of how adverbs can be used as alternatives to “also” in different contexts. Each example demonstrates the subtle nuances and proper usage of these adverbs.
| Original Sentence (Using “Also”) | Revised Sentence (Using Adverbs) |
|---|---|
| He enjoys playing the guitar. He also likes to sing. | He enjoys playing the guitar. He likes to sing, too. |
| She is a talented writer. She also excels in painting. | She is a talented writer. She excels in painting, besides. |
| The restaurant has great food. They also offer excellent service. | The restaurant has great food. Moreover, they offer excellent service. |
| I need to buy milk. I also need eggs. | I need to buy milk. I need eggs as well. |
| He is fluent in Spanish. He also speaks French. | He is fluent in Spanish. He speaks French, too. |
| She is a dedicated teacher. She also volunteers at the local shelter. | She is a dedicated teacher. Besides, she volunteers at the local shelter. |
| The hotel is close to the beach. It also has a swimming pool. | The hotel is close to the beach. Moreover, it has a swimming pool. |
| I want to travel to Italy. I also want to visit Spain. | I want to travel to Italy. I want to visit Spain as well. |
| He is a skilled programmer. He also has excellent communication skills. | He is a skilled programmer. He has excellent communication skills, too. |
| She is passionate about environmental issues. She also actively participates in protests. | She is passionate about environmental issues. Besides, she actively participates in protests. |
| The company offers competitive salaries. They also provide comprehensive benefits. | The company offers competitive salaries. Moreover, they provide comprehensive benefits. |
| I enjoy reading novels. I also like to watch documentaries. | I enjoy reading novels. I like to watch documentaries as well. |
| He is a successful entrepreneur. He also contributes to various charities. | He is a successful entrepreneur. He contributes to various charities, too. |
| She is known for her creativity. She also has strong leadership skills. | She is known for her creativity. Besides, she has strong leadership skills. |
| The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts. It also hosts educational programs. | The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts. Moreover, it hosts educational programs. |
| I need to finish this report. I also have to prepare for the meeting. | I need to finish this report. I have to prepare for the meeting as well. |
| He is a talented musician. He also writes his own songs. | He is a talented musician. He writes his own songs, too. |
| She is dedicated to her family. She also works a full-time job. | She is dedicated to her family. Besides, she works a full-time job. |
| The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere. It also offers a wide selection of wines. | The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere. Moreover, it offers a wide selection of wines. |
| I want to learn to play the piano. I also want to improve my cooking skills. | I want to learn to play the piano. I want to improve my cooking skills as well. |
| He is a respected professor. He also conducts groundbreaking research. | He is a respected professor. He conducts groundbreaking research, too. |
| She is an accomplished athlete. She also excels in academic pursuits. | She is an accomplished athlete. Besides, she excels in academic pursuits. |
| The city has beautiful parks. It also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. | The city has beautiful parks. Moreover, it boasts a vibrant cultural scene. |
| I need to buy groceries. I also need to pick up the dry cleaning. | I need to buy groceries. I need to pick up the dry cleaning as well. |
Conjunctive Adverbs Examples
This table showcases the use of conjunctive adverbs as effective substitutes for “also,” demonstrating how they connect related ideas with a more formal and structured approach.
| Original Sentence (Using “Also”) | Revised Sentence (Using Conjunctive Adverbs) |
|---|---|
| He is a talented musician. He is also a skilled writer. | He is a talented musician; furthermore, he is a skilled writer. |
| She is dedicated to her job. She is also committed to her family. | She is dedicated to her job; moreover, she is committed to her family. |
| The company values innovation. It also encourages employee development. | The company values innovation; in addition, it encourages employee development. |
| I enjoy hiking in the mountains. I appreciate spending time by the sea, also. | I enjoy hiking in the mountains; besides, I appreciate spending time by the sea. |
| He is fluent in English. He speaks Spanish also. | He is fluent in English; similarly, he speaks Spanish. |
| She is a successful entrepreneur. She contributes to several charities, also. | She is a successful entrepreneur; likewise, she contributes to several charities. |
| The hotel offers comfortable rooms. It provides excellent service, also. | The hotel offers comfortable rooms; furthermore, it provides excellent service. |
| I want to travel to Europe. I wish to explore Asia, also. | I want to travel to Europe; moreover, I wish to explore Asia. |
| He is a skilled programmer. He has strong problem-solving skills, also. | He is a skilled programmer; in addition, he has strong problem-solving skills. |
| She is passionate about the environment. She actively participates in conservation efforts, also. | She is passionate about the environment; besides, she actively participates in conservation efforts. |
| The company provides competitive benefits. It offers opportunities for professional growth, also. | The company provides competitive benefits; similarly, it offers opportunities for professional growth. |
| I enjoy reading fiction. Watching documentaries is something I enjoy, also. | I enjoy reading fiction; likewise, watching documentaries is something I enjoy. |
| He is a respected leader. He inspires his team, also. | He is a respected leader; furthermore, he inspires his team. |
| She is known for her creativity. She is also recognized for her attention to detail. | She is known for her creativity; moreover, she is also recognized for her attention to detail. |
| The museum has an impressive collection. It hosts engaging exhibits, also. | The museum has an impressive collection; in addition, it hosts engaging exhibits. |
| I need to finish this project. I must prepare for the presentation, also. | I need to finish this project; besides, I must prepare for the presentation. |
| He is a talented artist. He has a unique perspective, also. | He is a talented artist; similarly, he has a unique perspective. |
| She is dedicated to her community. She volunteers at the local school, also. | She is dedicated to her community; likewise, she volunteers at the local school. |
| The restaurant has a great atmosphere. It offers delicious food, also. | The restaurant has a great atmosphere; furthermore, it offers delicious food. |
| I want to learn a new language. I wish to travel the world, also. | I want to learn a new language; moreover, I wish to travel the world. |
| He is a skilled negotiator. He is a strategic thinker, also. | He is a skilled negotiator; in addition, he is a strategic thinker. |
| She is an accomplished athlete. She excels in academics, also. | She is an accomplished athlete; besides, she excels in academics. |
Prepositional Phrases Examples
The following table illustrates how prepositional phrases can effectively replace “also,” adding depth and context to sentences while maintaining grammatical accuracy.
| Original Sentence (Using “Also”) | Revised Sentence (Using Prepositional Phrases) |
|---|---|
| He enjoys playing basketball. He also likes to swim. | In addition to playing basketball, he likes to swim. |
| She is a talented singer. She also plays the piano. | As well as being a talented singer, she plays the piano. |
| The company offers competitive salaries. It also provides excellent benefits. | Along with competitive salaries, the company provides excellent benefits. |
| I enjoy hiking in the mountains. I like camping, also. | In addition to hiking in the mountains, I like camping. |
| He is fluent in English. He speaks Spanish, also. | As well as being fluent in English, he speaks Spanish. |
| She is a successful entrepreneur. She contributes to charities, also. | Along with being a successful entrepreneur, she contributes to charities. |
| The hotel offers comfortable rooms. It provides great service, also. | In addition to offering comfortable rooms, it provides great service. |
| I want to travel to Italy. I want to visit France, also. | As well as wanting to travel to Italy, I want to visit France. |
| He is a skilled programmer. He has strong problem-solving skills, also. | Along with being a skilled programmer, he has strong problem-solving skills. |
| She is passionate about the environment. She participates in conservation efforts, also. | In addition to being passionate about the environment, she participates in conservation efforts. |
| The company provides career training. They offer mentorship opportunities, also. | As well as providing career training, they offer mentorship opportunities. |
| I enjoy reading novels. I enjoy watching films, also. | Along with reading novels, I enjoy watching films. |
| He is a respected leader. He inspires his team, also. | In addition to being a respected leader, he inspires his team. |
| She is known for her creativity. She has attention to detail, also. | As well as being known for her creativity, she has attention to detail. |
| The museum has an impressive collection. They host engaging exhibits, also. | Along with having an impressive collection, they host engaging exhibits. |
| I need to finish this report. I have to prepare for the presentation, also. | In addition to needing to finish this report, I have to prepare for the presentation. |
| He is a talented artist. He has a unique perspective, also. | As well as being a talented artist, he has a unique perspective. |
| She is dedicated to her community. She volunteers at the local school, also. | Along with being dedicated to her community, she volunteers at the local school. |
| The restaurant has a great atmosphere. It offers delicious food, also. | In addition to having a great atmosphere, it offers delicious food. |
| I want to learn a new language. I want to travel the world, also. | As well as wanting to learn a new language, I want to travel the world. |
| He is a skilled negotiator. He is a strategic thinker, also. | Along with being a skilled negotiator, he is a strategic thinker. |
| She is an accomplished athlete. She excels in academics, also. | In addition to being an accomplished athlete, she excels in academics. |
Coordinating Conjunctions Examples
The following table illustrates how “and” can effectively replace “also”.
| Original Sentence (Using “Also”) | Revised Sentence (Using “and”) |
|---|---|
| He enjoys playing basketball. He also likes to swim. | He enjoys playing basketball and likes to swim. |
| She is a talented singer. She also plays the piano. | She is a talented singer and plays the piano. |
| The company offers competitive salaries. It also provides excellent benefits. | The company offers competitive salaries and provides excellent benefits. |
| I enjoy hiking in the mountains. I like camping, also. | I enjoy hiking in the mountains and like camping. |
| He is fluent in English. He speaks Spanish, also. | He is fluent in English and speaks Spanish. |
| She is a successful entrepreneur. She contributes to charities, also. | She is a successful entrepreneur and contributes to charities. |
| I want to learn a new language. I want to travel the world, also. | I want to learn a new language and travel the world. |
Usage Rules
When substituting “also,” it is crucial to follow specific usage rules to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. Adverbs like “too” generally come at the end of a clause. Conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon to separate the independent clauses they connect, followed by a comma after the adverb itself. Prepositional phrases should be integrated smoothly into the sentence structure, ensuring the subject and verb agree. The conjunction “and” requires that the clauses be of equal grammatical weight. Ignoring these rules can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences. For example, saying “He likes to swim, also” is grammatically acceptable, “He likes to swim, furthermore” is not, and requires the addition of a second clause.
The level of formality also plays a role. “Too” is often considered informal, while “furthermore” and “moreover” are more formal and appropriate for academic or professional writing. Prepositional phrases like “in addition to” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Choosing the right alternative depends on the intended audience and the overall tone of the communication. For instance, in a business report, “moreover” might be more suitable than “too.”
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “also” and “too” interchangeably without considering their proper placement. Incorrect: “Also, I like ice cream.” Correct: “I also like ice cream” or “I like ice cream, too.” Another mistake is using conjunctive adverbs without proper punctuation. Incorrect: “He is smart furthermore he is kind.” Correct: “He is smart; furthermore, he is kind.” Additionally, using prepositional phrases incorrectly can lead to grammatical errors. Incorrect: “In addition to he is smart, he is kind.” Correct: “In addition to being smart, he is kind.” Recognizing and correcting these common mistakes is essential for improving your writing and speaking skills.
Another frequent error involves using “besides” and “besides that” interchangeably without understanding their slightly different connotations. “Besides” can function as an adverb or a preposition, while “besides that” is a more explicit phrase. Using the wrong form can create awkward or unclear sentences. For example, “Besides, I don’t have time” (adverb) is different from “Besides that, I don’t have time” (explicit phrase). Being aware of these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate alternative to “also” in various contexts.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives to “also” with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the best alternative to “also” to fill in the blanks in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| She enjoys reading novels. She likes to watch movies, _____. | too |
| He is a talented musician; _____, he is a skilled writer. | furthermore |
| _____ being fluent in English, he speaks Spanish. | As well as |
| The company offers competitive salaries. _____, they provide comprehensive benefits. | Moreover |
| I enjoy hiking in the mountains; _____, I like camping. | besides |
| She is a successful entrepreneur; _____, she contributes to several charities. | likewise |
| He is a skilled programmer; _____, he has strong problem-solving skills. | in addition |
| She is dedicated to her community; _____, she volunteers at the local school. | similarly |
| The restaurant has a great atmosphere. _____, it offers delicious food. | furthermore |
| I want to learn a new language. _____, I wish to travel the world. | moreover |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using an alternative to “also.”
| Original Sentence | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|
| He likes to play basketball. He also likes to swim. | He likes to play basketball and to swim. |
| She is a talented singer. She also plays the piano. | She is a talented singer; furthermore, she plays the piano. |
| The company provides career training. They also offer mentorship opportunities. | The company provides career training, and they offer mentorship opportunities. |
| I need to finish this report. I also have to prepare for the meeting. | I need to finish this report; moreover, I have to prepare for the meeting. |
| He is a talented artist. He also has a unique perspective. | He is a talented artist; in addition, he has a unique perspective. |
| She is dedicated to her community. She also volunteers at the local school. | She is dedicated to her community; besides, she volunteers at the local school. |
| I enjoy reading novels. I also like to watch documentaries. | I enjoy reading novels; similarly, I like to watch documentaries. |
| He is a respected leader. He also inspires his team. | He is a respected leader; likewise, he inspires his team. |
| The museum has an impressive collection. It also hosts engaging exhibits. | The museum has an impressive collection; furthermore, it hosts engaging exhibits. |
| I want to learn a new language. I also wish to travel the world. | I want to learn a new language; moreover, I wish to travel the world. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to the use of alternatives to “also.”
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| He is smart furthermore he is kind. | He is smart; furthermore, he is kind. |
| Also, I like ice cream. | I also like ice cream. |
| In addition to he is smart, he is kind. | In addition to being smart, he is kind. |
| She enjoys singing she likes dancing too. | She enjoys singing; she likes dancing, too. |
| Besides that I don’t have time. | Besides, I don’t have time. |
| He is fluent in English, also he speaks Spanish. | He is fluent in English; moreover, he speaks Spanish. |
| She is a talented writer as well she is a skilled editor. | As well as being a talented writer, she is a skilled editor. |
| I want to travel to Europe and I want to visit Asia also. | I want to travel to Europe, and I want to visit Asia as well. |
| He is a skilled programmer, moreover he has excellent communication skills too. | He is a skilled programmer; moreover, he has excellent communication skills. |
| She is passionate about the environment in addition she actively participates in protests. | She is passionate about the environment; in addition, she actively participates in protests. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring the subtle nuances and stylistic implications of each alternative to “also” can further refine their communication skills. Understanding the historical context and etymology of words like “furthermore” and “moreover” can provide deeper insights into their usage. Analyzing how different authors and speakers use these alternatives in various genres and contexts can also enhance your understanding. For example, legal writing often favors more formal and precise language, whereas informal conversations might use simpler alternatives like “too” or “as well.”
Furthermore, exploring idiomatic expressions and nuanced phrases that convey addition can add sophistication to your language. For instance, instead of saying “also,” you might use phrases like “on top of that,” “to boot,” or “what’s more.” These expressions can add color and personality to your communication, making it more engaging and memorable. However, it is important to use these expressions appropriately, considering the context and audience.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives to “also.”
- When is it best to use “too” instead of “also”?
Use “too” at the end of a clause to add information informally. For example, “I like coffee. I like tea, too.”
- How do I properly punctuate sentences with conjunctive adverbs?
Conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses and require a semicolon before and a comma after the adverb. For example, “He is smart; furthermore, he is kind.”
- Can I start a sentence with “besides”?
Yes, “besides” can start a sentence as an adverb. For example, “Besides, I don’t have time for that.”
- What is the difference between “in addition” and “in addition to”?
“In addition” is an adverbial phrase, while “in addition to” is a prepositional phrase. “In addition” is used to add a clause, while “in addition to” requires a noun or gerund. For example, “He is smart; in addition, he is kind.” versus “In addition to being smart, he is kind.”
- Is “moreover” more formal than “furthermore”?
Both “moreover” and “furthermore” are formal, but “moreover” often implies a greater degree of importance or significance in the added information.
- Can I use “and” instead of “also” in all situations?
While “and” is a versatile conjunction, it’s not always a direct substitute for “also.” “And” is best used to connect elements of equal weight and relevance. “Also” and its alternatives often add an element of emphasis or additional context that “and” might not fully convey.
- How can I avoid sounding repetitive when using alternatives to “also”?
Vary your sentence structure and use a mix of adverbs, conjunctive adverbs, and prepositional phrases. Also, ensure that the added information is relevant and adds value to the overall message.
- Are there any alternatives to “also” that are specific to academic writing?
In academic writing, formal alternatives like “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition,” and “similarly” are preferred. These alternatives add a level of sophistication and precision to your writing.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “also” is an important step in enhancing your English communication skills. By utilizing adverbs, conjunctive adverbs, prepositional phrases, and conjunctions like “and,” you can add nuance, clarity, and sophistication to your writing and speech. Remember to pay attention to the specific usage rules and avoid common mistakes to ensure grammatical accuracy. With practice and attention to detail, you can effectively diversify your vocabulary and communicate more effectively. Experiment with these alternatives in your writing and speaking to find the ones that best suit your style and context. Embracing this wider range of expressions will not only make your communication more engaging but also demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
