Position of also
October 18th, 2013 in English Learning
Also has the same meaning as ‘as well’ and ‘too’.
It can go in lots of different places in a sentence. However, any change in its position will also change the meaning and emphasis of the sentence.
Have a look at these example sentences. They are all grammatically correct, but they don’t have the exact same meaning.
Also, I think that you should quit smoking. (The speaker has made some other suggestions as well.)
I also think that you should quit smoking. (The speaker is not the only person who wants the listener to quit smoking. Somebody else has already expressed that opinion.)
I think that you also should quit smoking. (The speaker has already asked some people to quit smoking. Now he also wants the listener to quit smoking.)
I think that you should also quit smoking. (Smoking isn’t the only thing you need to quit. You have to quit a few other things as well.)
Generally speaking, also should go before the word or expression it modifies.
The use of commas can also change the meaning of the sentence. Study the examples given below.
I also think that she is the most deserving candidate. (This sentence seems to suggest that the speaker has already told you something else they think.)
I, also, think that she is the most deserving candidate. (This sentence suggests that somebody else has already expressed this opinion.)
We use also to add information to something we have already said. And we place it in the sentence next to the thing or idea.