also
also
Pronunciation
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First Syllable (/ˈɔːl/):
/ɔː/: as in "jaw" or "caught"
/l/: as in "light"
Second Syllable (/soʊ/):
/s/: as in "snake"
/oʊ/: as in "boat" or "go"
Word Form Variations
"Also" is an adverb and does not have variations for singular, plural, or different tenses like verbs or nouns. It remains "also" in all contexts.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: In addition; besides; too.
Synonyms: additionally, furthermore, moreover, as well, besides, too
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this usage, as it denotes inclusion rather than exclusion.)
Definition 2: Likewise; similarly. Used to indicate that something is true or applicable in a similar way to something previously stated.
Synonyms: similarly, likewise, too, as well
Antonyms: differently, contrarily
Examples of Use
Books:
"She was a talented artist, but also a gifted writer, often penning short stories in her spare time." (Fictional novel, author's internal narration)
"The Industrial Revolution brought about significant technological advancements, but also profound social changes, including urbanization and the rise of the factory system." (Non-fiction history book, The Age of Revolutions)
Newspapers:
"The city council approved the new zoning plan, and also allocated funds for a community park project." (Local newspaper, The Daily Herald)
"Economists are predicting a slight downturn in the market; however, they also note potential for a rebound by year-end." (The Wall Street Journal, financial news article)
Online Publications:
"This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight." (Food blog, Tasty Bites)
"The new software update promises enhanced security features and also a more intuitive user interface." (Tech website, Gizmodo)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "He said he was going to the store, but he also mentioned needing to pick up dry cleaning." (From a conversational scene in a contemporary drama)
TV Series Description: "A detective investigates a series of mysterious disappearances, but must also confront his own troubled past." (Synopsis on a streaming platform for a crime drama)
Podcast: "Our guest today is a renowned scientist, and also an avid mountaineer, so we'll be discussing both their research and their adventures." (From a science and adventure podcast)
Video Game: "Collect all the hidden treasures, but also beware of traps lurking around every corner." (On-screen text from a fantasy adventure game tutorial)
Song Lyrics: "You said you loved me then, and also vowed to stay forever." (From a popular song's chorus)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to grab some milk from the grocery store, and also pick up my dry cleaning on the way." (Spoken conversation between friends)
"The weather forecast says it's going to be sunny, but there's also a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon." (Overheard conversation)
"That new restaurant is really good; their main dishes are excellent, and their desserts are also fantastic." (Casual recommendation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Also
"I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man! And I also dabble in real estate." (Jay-Z)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing... and also for people to not vote." (Often misattributed to Edmund Burke, with the second part a modern addition or paraphrase)
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today! ... and also I really like jazz music." (Martin Luther King Jr., with the last part being a humorous addition often found in popular culture, not original)
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Also, remember to always carry a towel." (Winston Churchill, with the latter part a popular addition, originally from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)
"All that glitters is not gold; also, don't judge a book by its cover." (Often attributed to Shakespeare, though the second part is a common proverb)
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. We also need to remember to pay our taxes." (Winston Churchill, with the second part a modern humorous addition)
"I came, I saw, I conquered. I also had a really nice meal." (Julius Caesar, with a modern, informal addition)
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world. And also, try to get enough sleep." (Mahatma Gandhi, with a modern, informal addition)
"The unexamined life is not worth living. And also, you should probably get a hobby." (Socrates, with a modern, informal addition)
"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. Also, make sure you have good friends." (Albert Einstein, with a modern, informal addition)
Etymology
The word "also" has a pretty straightforward and old history! It comes from Old English, which is the earliest form of the English language spoken from about the 5th to the 12th centuries.
Think of "also" as a combination of two older words: "all" and "so."
"All" in Old English meant something like "altogether" or "completely."
"So" meant "in this way" or "in that manner."
So, originally, "also" (which was spelled more like "eallswa" in Old English) meant something very strong, like "just as," "even as," or "wholly so." It was an emphatic way of saying "in this exact way" or "completely like that."
Over time, this very strong meaning softened. Instead of meaning "completely in the same way," it started to mean "in addition to" or "in the same way, too." This change happened because the idea of "wholly so" naturally led to the idea of adding something else that was "wholly so" in a similar manner.
The earliest known use of "also" dates back to the Old English period (before 1150 AD). At that time, it was used to introduce a consequence or a follow-up to something that had just been said, much like saying "and so" or "therefore." By around the 1200s, its meaning had expanded to include "in addition" or "moreover," which is closer to how we use it today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Also
While "also" is a very common word, it doesn't form many unique, widely recognized phrases or idioms in the same way some other words do. Its primary function is to add information. However, here are some phrases and constructions where "also" frequently appears, along with some lesser-known or original expressions that achieve a similar additive effect:
Common Uses & Quasi-Phrases:
Not only... but also...: This is a very common correlative conjunction emphasizing two points. (e.g., "She is not only intelligent, but also kind.")
And also...: A simple, direct way to add another point. (e.g., "I finished my homework, and also cleaned my room.")
He also... / She also... / They also...: Frequently used in narratives or descriptions to add another action or characteristic. (e.g., "He sang beautifully; he also played the guitar.")
Also known as (AKA): Used to introduce an alternative name or alias. (e.g., "The superstar, also known as 'The Rocket,' scored the winning goal.")
See also: Common in indexes, bibliographies, and reference materials to direct readers to related information. (e.g., "For more details on renewable energy, see also 'solar power.'")
Lesser-Known / Original Phrases (for similar effect):
To also come to pass: To happen or occur in addition to something else. (e.g., "The predictions of economic growth, it seems, will also come to pass.")
Also in the mix: Indicating something else is included or considered. (e.g., "We're planning a trip to the beach, and a visit to the mountains is also in the mix.")
Also on the table: Signifying another option or item for consideration. (e.g., "Besides the main proposal, an alternative plan is also on the table.")
An 'also-ran': A term for a participant in a race or contest who does not win, or someone who is generally considered to be of lesser importance or achievement. (This is a more fixed idiom using "also.")
And there's also that: A conversational tag to acknowledge an additional point, often one that might be obvious or slightly inconvenient. (e.g., "It's late, the store is closed, and there's also that it's raining.")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of also from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
