Can You Say “And Also”? English Grammar Explained

Many learners of the English language say it is a tricky language full of tricky rules, nuances, and little rules that shape sentences and word choice. Can You Say “And Also”? English Grammar Explained, we look at why this phrase, “and also,” seems simple but often leads to confusion when used the wrong way. From my teaching experience, even skilled speakers may pause, overthink, or hesitate while deciding if it works smoothly. When used correctly, it can add information, show addition, and bring clarity to writing and speech, but when overused, it feels repetitive, redundant, or cluttered.

In this article, we explore what it means and when it is truly necessary. In some cases, it is perfectly okay because it emphasizes extra information. For example, you may mention apples and oranges, and also another item, if the rhythm sounds natural. Still, in many situations, it does not do the job alone, and one word can sound more clear and concise. By noticing small details, placing it carefully, and ensuring it is handled with care, this small phrase becomes a useful tool with real power instead of something that confuses the reader.

If you have ever been mid-sentence, paused, and wondering if it is correct, you are not alone. Many English speakers and learners stumble because they want their thoughts to flow without breaking the flow with unnecessary words. The goal is to understand the nuance, choose smart alternatives, and use it naturally without hesitation. By avoiding common mistakes, you can improve your everyday English, feel more confident, and make your writing smooth from start to end.

Understanding the Basics: “And” vs “Also”

To understand “and also”, it helps to break it down.

“And” is a coordinating conjunction. It connects words, phrases, or clauses. For example:

• I like coffee and tea.
• She studied hard, and she passed the exam.

It simply joins two ideas. Nothing fancy, but extremely useful.

“Also” is an adverb. It adds information or emphasizes something. Often, it answers the question “in addition to what?”

• She is talented. Also, she is hardworking.
• I want pizza. Also, I want soda.

You can think of it this way: “and” connects, “also” adds extra detail or emphasis.

Here’s a simple table to see the difference:

Word	Function	Example	Meaning
And	Conjunction	I bought apples and oranges	Connects two ideas
Also	Adverb	I like reading. Also, I write	Adds extra information or emphasis

The Combination: “And Also”

So what happens when you put these two together? “And also” appears when a speaker or writer wants to emphasize an additional point in a sentence.

• She is smart and also very kind.
• The movie was exciting and also emotional.

Notice how “and also” strengthens the second idea. You’re not just connecting ideas—you’re highlighting the addition.

In natural English, it shows up in speech and writing, but it can feel unnecessary if used too often.

Example from everyday writing:

• Original: The policy is effective and also affordable.
• Cleaner: The policy is effective and affordable.

See how the second sentence is simpler and smoother? Often, “and also” can be replaced with just “and” without losing meaning.

When “And Also” is Redundant

The main problem with “and also” is redundancy. If “and” or “also” already covers the addition, combining them can repeat the idea unnecessarily.

Examples of redundancy:

• She sings and also dances. → She sings and dances.
• He is tall and also strong. → He is tall and strong.

A quick table shows redundancy versus clarity:

Sentence	Issue	Better Version
He is tall and also strong	Repeats addition	He is tall and strong
She studied hard and also got good grades	Redundant	She studied hard. Also, she got good grades
We need pencils and also pens	“And” already connects	We need pencils and pens

Tip: Ask yourself if the sentence already implies addition. If it does, skip “also” to keep your writing clean.

Contextual Acceptability

Sometimes, “and also” is perfectly fine. Context matters.

1. Emphasis

• He is honest and also incredibly generous.
  Here, the speaker emphasizes the second quality, giving it extra weight.

2. Informal Speech

• I like chocolate and also vanilla.
  In casual conversation, it sounds natural and expressive.

3. Literary or Narrative Writing

• She ran fast and also silently.
  Authors often use “and also” for rhythm or pacing, especially in storytelling.

Important: In formal or academic writing, most style guides prefer avoiding “and also” unless you want to highlight something specifically.

Alternatives to “And Also”

Using alternatives can improve readability and make your sentences more polished.

Some good options:

• And → simple connection
• Also → emphasizes addition
• Too → casual addition
• In addition → formal alternative
• As well as → smooth connection

Examples:

Original	Alternative	Notes
She is smart and also hardworking	She is smart and hardworking	Cleaner
I enjoy reading and also painting	I enjoy reading. Also, I enjoy painting	Emphasis on second idea
He bought apples and also oranges	He bought apples as well as oranges	Formal, smooth alternative

Pro tip: Read your sentence aloud. If “and also” feels clunky, switch to a simpler phrase.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many learners overuse “and also,” thinking it sounds advanced. Common errors include:

1. Overuse in academic writing

• Incorrect: The study is detailed and also comprehensive.
• Correct: The study is detailed and comprehensive.

2. Mixing with other additive phrases unnecessarily

• Incorrect: She is talented and also in addition hardworking.
• Correct: She is talented and hardworking.

3. Starting a sentence with “and also” unnecessarily

• Less natural: And also, he decided to leave.
• Better: He decided to leave also.

Rule of thumb: One additive phrase per sentence is usually enough.

Tips for Mastering Additive Phrases

Here’s how to use “and,” “also,” and “and also” naturally:

• Decide your emphasis: If the second idea needs attention, use also or and also.
• Keep sentences clean: Avoid “and also” if “and” or “also” alone works.
• Vary your phrases: Mix in alternatives like too, in addition, as well as, along with.
• Practice exercises:
  • Replace “and also” in five sentences with alternatives.
  • Identify whether “and also” adds emphasis or is redundant.

Advanced Notes: Emphasis and Sentence Rhythm

“And also” can affect tone and rhythm.

• Short, direct sentences with and → clear and concise.
• Longer sentences with and also → highlight or emphasize the second idea.

Example comparison:

• Direct: She writes and teaches.
• Emphatic: She writes and also teaches.

Writers sometimes use “and also” deliberately to control pacing or guide the reader’s attention.

Practical Table: When to Use “And Also”

Scenario	Use “And Also”?	Notes
Adding two simple facts	❌	“And” is enough
Emphasizing the second fact	✅	Adds weight or attention
Informal speech	✅	Sounds natural in conversation
Formal or academic writing	❌	Usually redundant unless emphasis needed
Storytelling or narrative	✅	Can improve rhythm or style

Examples of “And Also” in Natural English

• Speech: “I am proud of my team and also grateful for our supporters.”
• Journalism: “The program is effective and also cost-efficient.”
• Literature: “She smiled and also nodded in agreement.”

Notice how in each example, the second idea is highlighted, which is the key purpose of “and also.”

Conclusion

Understanding how to use “and also” correctly helps you avoid confusion, repetition, and unnecessary clutter in your sentences. While it may seem like a simple phrase, it requires attention to nuance, word choice, and sentence flow. By knowing when it is necessary, when it sounds natural, and when a shorter option is more clear and concise, you can improve your everyday English and write with greater confidence and clarity from start to end.

FAQs

Q1. Can you say “and also” in a sentence?

Yes, you can say “and also” in a sentence, but it should be used carefully to avoid sounding redundant or repetitive.

Q2. Is “and also” grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but in many situations, using just “and” or “also” may sound more concise.

Q3.  Why does “and also” sometimes sound wrong?

It can sound wrong when it is overused, unnecessary, or when it breaks the natural flow of a sentence.

Q4. When is it okay to use “and also”?

It is okay to use it when you want to emphasize extra information or clearly show addition in a sentence.

Q5. What are better alternatives to “and also”?

Often, simply using “and,” “also,” “in addition,” or restructuring the sentence can make your writing more clear and smooth.