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Also Too Either

Average: 4.1 (68 votes)

Here is an explanation of the use of also, too, and either which can cause some confusion as to their functions and position in a sentence.

Also

Also is used in positive sentences to add something which agrees with the previous item/clause.
Marco speaks Italian. Peter also speaks Italian.
I love Japanese food and I also like Indian cuisine.
Sarah is also coming to the station to see James off.

Also is placed before the main verb in a clause or sentence except with the verb be.
I have also seen that film.
I am also living in London at the moment.
Marco speaks Italian. Peter can also speak Italian.
Danny is really tired and I am also exhausted.
We were also at the concert.

Too

Too usually comes at the end of a sentence or clause.
I have seen the film too.
I am living in London too.
Peter can speak Italian too.
Danny is really tired and I am tired too.
We were at the concert too.

Too can sometimes be used with commas after the subject of the sentence although this is usually only done in formal speech;
I, too, am tired of the incessant noise coming from the restaurants in the area.
Mr Rossi is pleased with the project. Mr Martin, too, expressed his satisfaction.

Either

Either is used in negative sentences to add an agreeing idea or thought.
I don't speak French and Sarah doesn't speak French either.
Peter is busy tonight and Danny can't come either.
So you didn't go to the concert. Well, we didn’t either. Was it good?

Either usually comes at the end of a sentence or clause.
I don't like sushi either.
I am not studying accounts either.
I am not coming either.

Look at these examples:
The weather was not at all nice. I also had to do some studying so I stayed in.
The flight wasn't expensive and Sarah wanted to be in London for the concert too.

And

Peter is too impatient to be in customer relations and he isn't good with people either.
Tess is lazy. She doesn't want to study either.

It is possible to have a positive sentence or clause and agree with a negative or have a negative sentence or clause and agree with it with a positive.

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Now choose the right word for the following:

  • 1. I love the summer. My sister _ loves the warm weather.




  • 2. I’m starting a course in modern art. Alex is starting it _. It should be fun.




  • 3. I’m not too keen on football. My friends aren’t keen _.




  • 4. We didn’t like the food at the new restaurant. We _ thought the service was bad.




  • 5. John can’t be the new sales manager. He doesn’t get on with people. He’s not a very good listener _ .




  • 6. I have a good guide book of the city. I have a Spanish phrase book _. I think I am ready to tackle Barcelona.




  • 7. I loved the film and Andy did _.




  • 8. I had a really hard day at work. I’m _ very tired. I’d rather stay in tonight.




  • 9. I saw the flat but I didn’t like its layout. I wasn’t impressed by the location _. So I’m still looking.