Also, Too, and Either

“Also,” “too,” and “either” are words that help us agree with a previous statement – with what was just said. These words show that what has been said is also true for us. “Also” and “too” mean the same thing, while “either” is used to agree with a negative statement.

Using “Also”

“Also” is used in positive sentences to add information:

I exercise every day. She also exercises every day.
She does this too.

Mark likes to read books, and he also likes to watch movies.
Mark enjoys both activities.

The position of “also” depends on the verb in the sentence:

After the verb “to be”:

I am also American.
I too am American.

She’s nice, and she’s also very smart.
She’s kind and intelligent.

Before other verbs:

I also watch romantic comedies.
I enjoy this type of film too.

We also slept until 11.
We had a late morning.

Between auxiliary or modal verbs and main verbs:

I am also going to the movies.
I plan to go to the cinema too.

I should also call my mother.
I need to phone my mom.

At the start of a sentence for emphasis:

It’s better to tan in the morning. Also, it’s important to use sunscreen.
Morning tanning is good, and sunscreen is important.

Using “Too”

“Too” is also used in positive sentences and has the same meaning as “also.” It always goes at the end of a sentence:

I like tea. My sister likes tea too.
She enjoys it as well.

I’m happy to see you too.
I feel the same way.

Note:

“Too” can also mean “excessively” or “overly,” which can appear in the middle of a sentence before an adjective or adverb:

She’s too loud.
Her voice is excessively loud.

She’s loud too.
She is also loud.

In formal writing, “too” can sometimes appear after the subject, separated by commas:

I, too, am appalled to hear that.
I am also shocked by this.

Mr. Smith, please sit here. Mr. Jones, too, please sit over here.
Mr. Jones can sit nearby as well.

Using “Either”

“Either” is used in negative sentences to agree with a previous negative statement. It goes at the end of a sentence:

I don’t watch horror movies. My friend doesn’t watch them either.
Neither of us likes them.

I don’t like to lose, and he doesn’t like to lose either.
We both dislike losing.

I don’t want to go either.
I also don’t want to go.

He doesn’t like Brussels sprouts either.
He, too, doesn’t like Brussels sprouts.

Short Forms

You can agree with a previous statement or disagree with it using short forms. We’ll use one of the following constructions:

For positive sentences:

So + verb + person

– She likes chocolate.
– So do I.

For negative sentences, you can use:

Neither + verb + person

– He doesn’t cook.
– Neither do I.

The verb changes depending on the tense of the previous sentence. For example, with Present Simple we use so do I/neither do I. When we have Past, Present or Future Continuous we use the verb to be.

– Mark wasn’t lying.
– Neither was I.

– Mark isn’t lying.
– Neither am I.

– Mark won’t be lying.
– Neither will I.

Or you can use these:

For positive sentences:

Person + verb + too

– I exercise every day.
– I do too.

– I am coming to the party.
– I am too.

For negatives we can use “either”. Remember to put a a negative word before “either”, such as “don’t,” “doesn’t,” “can’t,” or “isn’t.”

Person + verb + either

– I can’t do it.
– I can’t either.

– She wasn’t late.
– I wasn’t either.

In casual conversation, you can also use:

“Me too” for positive sentences:

– I like watching sunsets.
– Me too.

“Me neither” for negative sentences:

– I don’t like her.
– Me neither.

Here, remember NOT to use “either” because it has to have a negative word before it, whereas “neither” already means “also no” and we don’t have to add anything else.

Mixed Sentences

“Also” and “too” don’t always go after a positive statement, and “either” doesn’t always go after a negative statement. We can use them to agree with or disagree with statements of the opposite type:

Mary isn’t a very good cook. She also prefers to eat out.
She likes dining out too.

John likes to eat meat. He doesn’t like vegetables either.
He dislikes veggies.

also, too, either summary

ALSO	TOO	EITHER
Meaning
also, too	also, too	also no
Sentence type
positive	positive	negative

Position
+ before verb I also paint.	+ end of the sentence I paint too.	+ end of the sentence I don’t paint either.
+ after the verb to be I am also a painter.	+ after the subject I, too, am a painter.
+ between two verbs I have also been painting the sunset.
+ beginning of the sentence Also, I like to paint.

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Also, Too, and Either

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Using “Either”

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also, too, either summary

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EITHER

Meaning

Sentence type

Position

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