The word “also” seems simple, but many English learners use it incorrectly. Even advanced speakers sometimes place it in the wrong position or use it in situations where another word would sound more natural.
In this article, we’ll look at the most common mistakes people make with “also”, and how to fix them.
1. Putting “Also” at the Beginning of a Sentence in Conversation
Many learners begin sentences with also because it is similar to how words like また or そして are used in other languages.
Example mistake:
❌ Also, I like coffee.
❌ Also, I went to the store yesterday.
This isn’t always wrong, but it sounds formal or unnatural in casual speech.
Better options:
✔ I also like coffee.
✔ I went to the store yesterday, too.
✔ And I like coffee.
Tip:
“Also” is more common in writing than in conversation.
2. Putting “Also” in the Wrong Position
The most common mistake is incorrect placement in the sentence.
Incorrect:
❌ I like also pizza.
❌ She drinks also tea.
Correct:
✔ I also like pizza.
✔ She also drinks tea.
Rule:
Also usually comes before the main verb.
Examples:
- I also work on weekends.
- She also speaks Spanish.
- They also live in Tokyo.
3. Incorrect Position with “Be” Verbs
When the verb is be (am / is / are / was / were), the position changes.
Incorrect:
❌ I also am tired.
❌ She also is a teacher.
Correct:
✔ I am also tired.
✔ She is also a teacher.
Rule:
With the verb “be”, “also” comes after the verb.
4. Using “Also” Instead of “Too”
Many learners use also at the end of sentences.
Incorrect:
❌ I like sushi also.
❌ She speaks English also.
Correct:
✔ I like sushi too.
✔ She speaks English too.
Rule:
- Also → middle of sentence
- Too → end of sentence
Examples:
- I also like sushi.
- I like sushi too.
5. Overusing “Also” in Lists
Learners often use also repeatedly when listing ideas.
Example mistake:
❌ I like pizza. Also I like pasta. Also I like ramen.
This sounds repetitive.
Better:
✔ I like pizza, pasta, and ramen.
✔ I like pizza. I also like pasta and ramen.
6. Using “Also” When “And” Is Better
Sometimes learners use also when and would sound more natural.
Example mistake:
❌ She studied English. Also she studied French.
Better:
✔ She studied English and French.
✔ She studied English, and she also studied French.
7. Using “Also” When “In Addition” Is Better (Formal Writing)
In formal writing, also can sound a bit simple.
Example:
Basic:
She works as a teacher. She also writes textbooks.
More formal:
She works as a teacher. In addition, she writes textbooks.
Quick Summary
Correct patterns:
- I also like coffee.
- She also works on weekends.
- He is also very friendly.
- I like coffee too.
Incorrect patterns:
- ❌ I like also coffee.
- ❌ She also is tired.
- ❌ I like coffee also.
Final Tip
If you remember only one rule, remember this:
Also usually comes before the main verb, but after the verb “be.”
Examples:
- I also work on Saturdays.
- She is also a manager.
Mastering small words like also, too, and as well can make your English sound much more natural.
Want to Sound More Natural in English?
Small words like “also,” “too,” and “as well” often cause mistakes for English learners. These small grammar problems can make your English sound unnatural, even if your vocabulary is good.
At MK’s English, we help students fix these kinds of mistakes so they can speak clear, natural English with confidence.
Our lessons focus on:
• natural English used in real conversations
• grammar that actually improves fluency
• speaking practice with clear feedback
• preparation for tests like EIKEN and TOEIC
Whether you want to improve your speaking, prepare for a test, or communicate more confidently at work, we can help.
Start with a free trial lesson and see how our lessons work.
👉 Visit mksenglish.com to get started.