An also synonym is usually needed for one reason: the word has turned up three times in a paragraph. Too, as well, additionally, in addition and furthermore are the main replacements, and each one sits in a different spot in the sentence.
That position point is what trips people up. Also goes before the main verb, too and as well go at the end, and furthermore opens a sentence. This page shows where each option belongs, how formal it sounds, and what to use in negative sentences, where also often becomes either. Related linkers are gathered on the transition words hub.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
too, as well, additionally, in addition, furthermorePart of speech
Adverb (adding or linking)Most formal
furthermore, moreover, additionallyMost casual
plus, on top of that, tooNegative form
either: I did not go eitherAntonyms
None as such; for contrast use however or insteadWatch out
Moreover adds a stronger point. Do not use it for a small extra detail.
Every also synonym and where it goes
| Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| too | end of clause | Mia plays the violin too. |
| as well | end of clause | Bring a jacket as well. |
| additionally | start, with a comma | Additionally, the room has a desk. |
| in addition | start, with a comma | In addition, parking is free. |
| furthermore | start, with a comma | Furthermore, costs are falling. |
| plus | start, casual | Plus, it is close to the station. |
| likewise | start or end | Ravi was nervous, and I felt likewise. |
Another word for also in formal writing
Left to right, the chips get more formal. Plus sounds chatty and fine in a text or blog. Too and as well are neutral and safe in any setting. Additionally and furthermore belong in essays, reports and formal emails.
Moreover is the strongest of the formal group: it signals that the next point backs up the argument even more firmly. Moreover works best once per page; overused, it sounds stiff.
Starting a sentence with also is grammatical but can feel informal. In an essay, In addition or Additionally usually reads more smoothly.
Before and after swaps
- She is also a nurse becomes she is a nurse too.
- Also, the apartment has a balcony becomes in addition, the apartment has a balcony.
- The plan is cheap and also quick becomes the plan is cheap and quick as well.
- The data is also incomplete becomes furthermore, the data is incomplete.
- I also did not call becomes I did not call either.
- Bring cups and also plates becomes bring cups as well as plates.
A cover letter line: "I also led a team and also managed the budget." Better: "I led a team of six and managed the budget as well." One adding word, placed at the end, and the sentence breathes.
Too, as well, either: the grammar notes
Also sits before a main verb ("we also met") and after the verb be ("she is also tired"). Too and as well go at the end of the clause. In questions, too and as well sound more natural than also.
In negative sentences, English normally switches to either: "I like tea too" but "I do not like coffee either." To answer someone, use me too or so do I for positives and me neither or neither do I for negatives.
Phrases that replace also and a noun
When also adds a noun, a linking phrase can fold the two ideas together. As well as, along with and together with sit between nouns. In addition to can open a sentence: "In addition to math, she teaches art."
Keep the verb agreement right: "The teacher, along with her students, is here" uses is, because the subject is still the teacher. More detail sits on the as well as synonyms page.
Look-alikes that are not the same
Similarly and likewise add a comparison, not just an extra fact: use them when the second point mirrors the first. Besides often hints that the new point is a reason ("Besides, it is late"). Even adds surprise. Including introduces examples from a group, not an extra item.
Also has no true antonym. To show a contrast instead of an addition, switch to however or instead.
Frequently asked questions
Which linking words replace also in essays?
In addition, additionally and furthermore are the standard essay choices. Open the sentence with one of them and follow it with a comma.
Is as well the same as also?
Yes in meaning, but as well comes last in its clause. Write we went as well, not we as well went.
Is opening a sentence with also wrong?
You can, and many careful writers do in emails. In formal essays, In addition or Additionally sounds smoother at the start.
What do I use instead of also in a negative sentence?
Use either at the end: I have not seen it either. Neither and nor are used for short replies and paired negatives.
Is plus too casual for work?
Plus is fine in quick team messages. In a report or formal letter, swap it for additionally or in addition.
What is the opposite of also?
There is no direct antonym. To signal a contrast, use however, but or instead.