Also is an adverb meaning in addition or besides; it can also function as a discourse marker to add information. It typically appears mid-sentence and is often reduced in casual speech, sounding like /ˈɔːl.soʊ/ or /ˈɔːl.sə/ depending on the speaker. The core idea is adding another item or idea to what has already been mentioned.
"I’d like to visit Paris, and also Rome on the trip."
"She’s not only smart but also incredibly kind."
"We can order a salad, and also some bread on the side."
"He’s coming to the party, and also bringing dessert."
The word also originates from the Old English also, comparable to al-swe, and is related to the Proto-Germanic *alsō, meaning 'also, likewise' and 'in addition.' By Middle English, also had variants such as alswa and alse, reflecting dialectal spellings and pronunciations. The word likely derives from a Germanic root meaning ‘in addition’ or ‘also,’ expressing addition or agreement in discourse. Over time, the pronunciation shifted toward a two-syllable form with a light, unstressed second syllable, especially in rapid speech. In Early Modern English, also appeared in more varied syntactic positions, functioning both as a parenthetical modifier and as a sentence adverb, with usage expanding as English syntax grew more flexible. Today, also is a versatile adverb used across formal and informal registers to indicate addition or emphasis, frequently reduced in casual speech to a schwa or a quick /l/ onset followed by a reduced vowel. First known use is difficult to pinpoint due to dialectal variation, but written attestations appear in 14th- to 15th-century texts, with evolving spellings like alsō and also, reflecting phonetic simplifications that accompanied the Great Vowel Shift and the standardization of English spelling in later centuries.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Also" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Also"
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Phonetically, also is typically /ˈɔːl.soʊ/ in many US varieties and /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ in UK/Commonwealth accents. Stress is on the first syllable: the first vowel is a low-mid back rounded vowel like /ɔː/ (as in 'law'), followed by an /l/ with a light, clear release, then a secondary, rapid syllable /soʊ/ or /səʊ/. In rapid speech the second syllable often reduces to /sə/ or a schwa: /ˈɔːl.sə/. Practice the two-part mouth shape: rounded jaw for /ɔː/, then a light /l/ and a clean /s/ followed by /oʊ/ or /əʊ/. Audio references: listen to pronunciation guides on Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries; repeat while mimicking the mouth movements.
Common errors include treating it as a single syllable /ˈɔːl/ without the second syllable, or stressing the second syllable (/ˈal.so/ or /ˈɔl.sɔ/). Some speakers over-articulate both syllables, making it sound awkward in rapid speech. To correct: keep the first syllable strong with /ɔː/ + /l/, then release a brief /s/ and a light, unstressed /əʊ/ or /oʊ/. Practice with minimal pairs like also vs. almost to feel the quick, reduced second syllable. Use an audio model and imitate the rhythm: strong first beat, light second beat.
In US English, you often hear /ˈɔːl.soʊ/ with a clear /oʊ/ final, stress on the first syllable. UK English commonly uses /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ with a longer second vowel and less pronounced final consonant; the second syllable may be clipped as /səʊ/. Australian English mirrors UK shapes but can be even more vowel-tinted, with a slightly more centralized second vowel and quick /z/ to /s/ transitions. Across accents the main features are first-syllable stress, presence of /l/, and a reduced second syllable; the exact vowel quality of /ɔː/ and the ending vowel vary by dialect.
The difficulty lies in balancing the two-syllable rhythm with a fast, natural second syllable. The primary phonetic challenge is producing a stable /ɔː/ vowel in the first syllable while keeping the /l/ clear, then accurately transitioning to the /s/ or /s/ followed by a reduced vowel (often /əʊ/ or /ə/). In casual speech, speakers reduce the second syllable to a schwa, which can cause a loss of perceptual contrast if not practiced. Mastery requires practicing the timing and mouth position for both syllables in sequence.
In careful pronunciation, the second syllable is not silent, but it can be very brief and reduced in connected speech. In rapid delivery, many speakers shorten /soʊ/ to a brief release or even a schwa-like /sə/; the consonant /s/ often remains audible while the vowel is reduced. This is especially true when followed by another word starting with a consonant. For example, 'also' before a verb may sound like /ˈɔːl.sə.kən/ in very fast speech. Awareness of the second syllable’s reduction helps you maintain clarity without over-emphasizing it.
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