1. Placement:
* Mid-sentence: "Also" typically goes in the middle of a sentence, often after the subject and before the verb.
* Example: "She also enjoys painting."
* Start of a sentence: You can start a sentence with "also," but you'll usually need a comma after it.
* Example: Also, she enjoys painting.
* After a comma: "Also" can appear after a comma in a list or to add additional information.
* Example: "I like apples, oranges, and also pears."
2. Meaning:
* Adding information: "Also" indicates that something else is being added to what was already stated.
* Example: "I like to swim, and I also enjoy hiking."
* Emphasis: "Also" can emphasize the importance of the information being added.
* Example: "The team played well, but they also showed great sportsmanship."
3. Avoid redundancy:
* "Also" is often redundant with other words like "too," "as well," or "in addition to." Choose one or the other, not both.
* Correct: "I like apples, and I also like oranges."
* Incorrect: "I like apples, and I also like oranges too."
4. Punctuation:
* Commas: Use a comma before "also" when it starts a sentence or when it follows a list.
* Semicolons: You can use a semicolon before "also" when it connects two closely related independent clauses.
* Periods: "Also" can also start a new sentence.
Examples:
* Correct: "He likes to read books, and he also enjoys listening to music."
* Correct: "Also, she is a talented musician."
* Correct: "The company is expanding, and they are also hiring new employees."
* Incorrect: "He likes to read books, and he also enjoys listening to music too."
In summary, "also" is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of ways to add information and emphasis. Just be mindful of its placement and avoid redundancy!