Also Has or Has Also – Which Is Correct? Understanding the Nuances in English

When learning English, one of the tricky parts is deciding whether to use Also Has or Has Also, as the order changes emphasis. The phrase “She also has a musical talent” emphasizes addition naturally, while “She has also a musical talent” sounds slightly formal or pro, especially in writing. Understanding this nuance is a secret sauce for smooth English, communication, and clarity, helping learners speak and write like a pro.

A simple tip is to read sentences out loud. Switch the words and notice the meaning change. Over time, using also has or has also feels effortless. Writing your own examples and hearing them spoken trains your mind to apply this small but powerful grammar lesson. It’s a secret sauce that elevates both your writing and speaking skills in English to a professional level.

Introduction: Decoding the Correct Use of “Also Has” and “Has Also”

Have you ever paused and wondered: Should I write “She also has a car” or “She has also a car”? That tiny change in word order actually carries meaning, clarity, and tone. These phrases appear simple, but they reflect how the verb has functions and where the adverb also lands in your sentence.

Why does this matter? Because placing “also” in the wrong spot can make your writing feel awkward, less fluent, or even slightly ambiguous. Rather than treating this as a minor grammar quirk, understanding it helps you write more naturally, precisely, and with a stronger command of English.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How the verb has works (both as a main verb and an auxiliary)
• How also behaves as an adverb and how its position alters meaning
• When to use also has vs. has also, with lots of real‑world examples
• Key differences in tone, emphasis, and style between the two
• Trends in usage and practical advice for non‑native speakers

Let’s dive in and sharpen your sense for choosing “also has” or “has also” in your sentences.

The Fundamentals of “Has” in English Grammar

Understanding the Versatility of the Verb “Has”

The word has is extremely common in English. It acts in two major ways:

• Main verb: Expressing possession, ownership, or existence.
  • She has a new laptop.
  • The building has three floors.
• Auxiliary verb: Helping to form perfect tenses or passive voice.
  • He has visited London.
  • She has been promoted.

Because has can wear multiple hats, the words you place around it (such as “also”) will need to respect its role.

Distinguishing Between Auxiliary and Main Verbs

When has serves as an auxiliary verb, it usually pairs with a past participle (or other auxiliary) and creates tenses like the present perfect.

• Example: She has also visited Paris. Here “has” is an auxiliary forming the present perfect tense (“has visited”).

When has acts as the main verb, it carries meaning on its own- possession, condition, existence.

• Example: She also has a cat. Here, “has” means “owns” or “possesses”.

Why this matters: The position of also often depends on whether has is a main verb or an auxiliary. Different roles call for different adverb placement.

Here’s a quick table:

Role of “has”	Example	Meaning
Main verb	She also has a new hobby.	She possesses something/adds info
Auxiliary verb	She has also visited Japan.	She’s done an action in addition

Understanding this distinction will guide you to choose the correct phrase when you face “also has” vs. “has also”.

Understanding the Function of “Also”

Before we focus entirely on “also has” or “has also”, it helps to know how the word also behaves as an adverb in English.

• Also means in addition, too, as well.
• Where you place also changes what part of the sentence it modifies (the subject, the verb, the whole clause) or the emphasis it gives.
• Grammar guides note that adverbs like also are often “focusing modifiers” –  they point to what they modify based on their position.

Key placement rules for “also”

• If you have no auxiliary verb, you often place alsobefore the main verb:
  • She also reads novels.
• If you do have an auxiliary + main verb, you often place alsoafter the auxiliary and before the main verb:
  • She has also finished the report.
• If has is the main verb (possession), you might place alsobefore “has”:
  • She also has a dog.
• But context matters- sometimes other placements are acceptable or preferable for emphasis.

As one grammar commentary puts it: “Which version is correct depends on the intended meaning.”

Exploring the Phrase “Also Has” in Context

When you use “also has”, you’re usually dealing with has as the main verb- possession, existence, or attribute. The adverb also is giving an additional trait or quality.

• You’re mentioning something extra that the subject possesses or has alongside something else.
• You’re not describing an additional action done by the subject (which often calls for auxiliary positioning).
• You want to emphasize the possession or attribute rather than the action.

Example sentences:

• The house also has a hidden wine cellar.
• She also has a keen interest in classical music.
• Our team also has two recruits this year.

In each case, “also has” indicates an attribute added to what you’ve already said.

Why this works:

• Has = main verb (possession/attribute)
• Also sits before “has” → it modifies the verb phrase by adding one more thing the subject possesses or holds.
• The sentence structure focuses the reader’s attention on the additional characteristic.

Sub‑contexts and nuances

Context	Example	Note
Adding another possession	She also has a golden retriever.	Straightforward extra trait
Highlighting one trait among many	This phone also has wireless charging.	Emphasis on the feature alongside others
Emphasizing addition in a list	He plays tennis and also has a gym membership.	Shows dual commitment

When you use “also has,” you’re essentially saying: “In addition to what was already said, the subject has this extra thing.”

Dissecting the Usage of “Has Also” With Examples

When you opt for “has also”, you’re most often working with has as an auxiliary verb (helping make a perfect tense) and also is modifying the verb phrase that follows. The emphasis shifts from possession to action or experience.

When “has also” is the right choice

• The sentence uses has (or another auxiliary) + past participle or continuous form (present perfect, etc.).
• You want to highlight an action or event that is in addition to other actions/events.
• Your focus is less on possession and more on what the subject has done or experienced.

Example sentences:

• She has also published two articles this month.
• He has also visited Japan several times.
• My computer has also been updated automatically.

Here, the phrase implies: “In addition to other actions/events, the subject has done this.”

Why “has also” makes sense here

• Has = auxiliary (helps form present perfect)
• Also placed after the auxiliary, before the main verb → modifies the whole verb phrase
• The reader interprets: besides other things, this action occurred too

Dive deeper: usage and effect

• “She has also visited France.” → tells us: She visited France in addition to other things she did.
• If you instead wrote “She also has visited France,” you’d shift the emphasis awkwardly, making “has visited” sound like possession (“has visited”) rather than an action. It still might be understandable, but less natural.

In fact, forums and grammar communities note that placing “also” after the auxiliary is more natural when emphasizing an action performed.

Comparing “Also Has” vs. “Has Also” in Practical Situations

Let’s bring it all together and see how these phrases differ in meaning, tone, emphasis, and context. Here are some practical guidelines for discovering which one to use- and why.

When to prefer one over the other

Use case	Choose “also has”	Choose “has also”
The subject possesses something extra	✅ Yes: “She also has a bike.”	❌ No: “She has also a bike.” (awkward)
Subject performs an additional action	❌ No: “She also has visited…”	✅ Yes: “She has also visited…”
Emphasis on attribute/feature	✅ “also has”	❌ “has also” may shift focus awkwardly
Emphasis on action/result	❌ “also has” may mislead	✅ “has also” aligns with action

Subtle differences in tone and meaning

• “Also has” tends to highlight the additional possession or quality. It gives the idea: “In addition to what we already know, this subject has X.”
• “Has also” tends to highlight the additional action or experience. It gives the idea: “In addition to other actions/experiences, the subject has done X.”

Example:

• “John also has a PhD in History.” → Focus on the extra qualification John holds.
• “John has also taught at Harvard.” → Focus on the additional experience John has had.

Some practice cases

1. Situation: You want to mention an extra feature of a car.
   • “The new model also has Bluetooth connectivity.” → Correct use of “also has” because you’re adding possession/feature.
   • “The new model has also Bluetooth connectivity.” → Less natural; if you wanted to emphasize action, you might say “The new model has also been equipped with Bluetooth connectivity.”
2. Situation: You want to mention an extra experience someone has.
   • “She also has experience in digital marketing.” → This is okay, because you’re talking about possession of experience.
   • “She has also worked in digital marketing.” → More natural if you want to emphasize the action of working.

Practical writing tips

• Ask yourself: Am I talking about something someone has (possession/attribute) or something they have done (action/experience)?
• If it’s possession/attribute → lean toward “also has”.
• If it’s action/experience → lean toward “has also”.
• Read the sentence aloud. Does it feel natural? If it catches in your throat, reposition “also.”
• In formal writing, clarity beats style. If you’re unsure, choose the version that keeps meaning clear and straightforward.

Usage Trends: “Also Has” versus “Has Also” According to Data

Understanding how often each phrase is used (and in what contexts) can help you choose confidently- not just by rule, but by how real writers use them.

What the data tells us

• Grammar forums point out that “has also” appears to be more frequent when forming perfect tenses.
• Sites like TextRanch observe that both “it also has” and “it has also” are common and correct, but “it has also” shows up particularly in contexts that involve actions or experiences.
• Grammar commentary (e.g., Right Touch Editing) notes that adverb placement is flexible but places emphasis depending on where it’s located.

What this means for you

• “Has also” may appear more often in formal writing that uses perfect tenses (“has done”, “has been”), because it aligns with auxiliary‑verb structure.
• “Also has” tends to appear in more straightforward usage when possession/attribute is discussed.
• Neither is “wrong”- context and meaning drive the choice. Usage trends show both are alive, valid, and useful.

Quick metrics (approximate)

Phrase	Typical usage context	Likely frequency
“also has”	Possession, additional trait/feature	Frequent in descriptive prose
“has also”	Actions/experiences in perfect tenses	Frequent in analytical writing

By knowing how writers naturally use these forms, you can mimic that fluidity and make your writing feel current and confident.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes around “also has” vs. “has also” often come down to venue (possession vs. action) and placement of the adverb also. Let’s look at common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

Mistake #1: Mixing the context of possession with the structure of action

• Incorrect: “She has also a new car.” → This feels awkward because “has” is used as a main verb (possession), yet “also” is placed as if it modifies an action. Better: “She also has a new car.”
• Incorrect: “She also has visited the museum.” → Here, you mean action (“has visited”), but you used “also has” (possession structure) → Better: “She has also visited the museum.”

Mistake #2: Placing “also” in a misleading spot

• Example: “The research also must be validated.” vs “The research must also be validated.” As grammar commentary points out, the placement of “also” changes what is being emphasised.
• Rule of thumb: If “also” sits right before the main verb (or between auxiliary and main verb), it clarifies the action; if “also” is shifted, it can create ambiguity.

Mistake #3: Assuming one version is “always wrong”

Several language forums note: both forms are grammatically correct; the difference is nuance and preference. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking one is strictly “wrong”; instead, choose based on clarity and context.

Quick checklist to avoid error:

• Identify whether “has” is a main verb (possession) or an auxiliary verb (action).
• If possession/attribute → lean “also has”.
• If action/experience (perfect tense) → lean “has also”.
• Read aloud: Does it feel smooth, natural, and clear?
• When in doubt, simplify: choose the order that clearly places “also” next to what it modifies.

Quick Guide: When to Use Which

Let’s summarise and simplify with a handy guide you can refer to whenever you’re stuck between “also has” and “has also”.

Easy reference table:

Situation	Use this phrase	Example
Adding an extra possession or trait	“also has”	She also has a scholarship.
Adding an extra action or experience (perfect)	“has also”	She has also completed the course.
Clarifying a feature in a descriptive listing	“also has”	The phone also has wireless charging.
Emphasising an additional step in a sequence	“has also”	He has also updated the software.

Practice tips:

• Write two sentences: one with possession, one with action. Try both forms and see which feels more natural.
• Avoid overthinking: clarity is more important than rigid rule‑following.
• Use voice or read aloud: if you stumble, adjust the position of “also”.
• Consider your audience: formal writing may prefer conservative placement, conversational writing can be more flexible.

Case Studies & Real‑Life Examples

Case Study: Business Email

Scenario: A project manager writes to the team:

“Our new software version also has improved security features.” Here also has is correct because the subject (software version) possesses extra features.

Alternative scenario:

“Our system has also been integrated with a cloud backup service.” Here has also is correct because the subject has done an additional action (been integrated).

Case Study: Academic Resume

Scenario: A candidate writes:

“I also have a certification in data analytics.” → Good: extra credential (possession). “I have also completed a research project on machine learning.” → Good: extra action/achievement (experience).

Anecdote:

A writer once paused while drafting a sentence: “The tool also has the option to …” and questioned if “has also” would sound better. Reading it aloud, she realized that she was talking about a feature of the tool- not what it had done- so “also has” felt right. That quick check helped her avoid awkward phrasing and improved the flow of her paragraph.

Mastering “Also Has” and “Has Also”

Small sentence tweaks matter. Choosing between “also has” and “has also” might seem trivial, but it impacts clarity, tone, and how natural your writing feels. By understanding:

• How has functions (main vs auxiliary)
• How the adverb also modifies meaning via position
• When you’re describing possession vs action

… you’ll write with more precision and confidence. Both forms are valid- and the best choice depends on meaning and context, not just rote memorization.

Next time you pause over “also has” or “has also”, stop and ask: Am I talking about what someone has, or what they’ve done? Let that guide your choice.

Happy writing- may each “also” land exactly where it belongs!

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “also has” and “has also” might seem like a small detail, but mastering it can significantly improve your clarity and fluency in English. The distinction hinges on how the verb “has” functions – whether as a main verb indicating possession or as an auxiliary verb forming perfect tenses- and on the placement of the adverb “also”, which can subtly shift emphasis. Using “also has” highlights additional possessions, attributes, or features, while “has also” emphasizes additional actions or experiences.

Beyond grammar rules, context plays a crucial role. In spoken and written English, the natural flow of sentences often dictates which form feels more appropriate. Reading sentences aloud, considering whether you are highlighting possession or action, and thinking about your audience can guide your choice. Grammar sources, usage trends, and real-world examples consistently show that both phrases are correct when used thoughtfully, but their nuanced differences affect tone and clarity.

Frequent practice, comparison, and awareness of sentence structure are key. Writing exercises, sentence rewrites, and exposure to examples from academic, professional, and casual contexts will strengthen your instinct for choosing the right phrase. Over time, the placement of “also” will feel intuitive, helping you produce more polished, confident, and natural English sentences.

Remember, the goal isn’t just following a rule- it’s communicating clearly. Using “also has” or “has also” correctly ensures that your meaning is precise, your writing flows smoothly, and your tone aligns with the message you want to convey. With consistent practice and attention to context, you’ll soon navigate these subtle differences effortlessly and elevate both your written and spoken English.

FAQs

Can I use “also has” and “has also” interchangeably?

While both are grammatically correct, they are not always interchangeable. Use “also has” when emphasizing possession, features, or attributes. Use “has also” when highlighting actions, experiences, or events completed by the subject. Misplacing “also” can subtly change the meaning or make a sentence sound awkward. Always consider whether the verb “has” is a main verb (possession) or an auxiliary (action) before deciding the placement of “also.” Reading sentences aloud can help confirm the natural flow and clarity.

Is “has also” more formal than “also has”?

Not necessarily. “Has also” often appears in formal or academic writing because it pairs naturally with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses. “Also has” is more common in descriptive writing or casual contexts when highlighting possession or features. Both are acceptable in formal writing if used correctly. The choice depends on whether you’re emphasizing an action (formal contexts favor “has also”) or a trait/possession (more natural with “also has”).

How can I remember which form to use?

Ask yourself: Am I talking about possession or action? If possession → also has. If action/experience → has also. Another tip is to read the sentence aloud: the version that flows naturally is usually correct. Practicing with example sentences and comparing both forms will strengthen your instinct over time.

Does sentence length affect which form to use?

Yes. Longer sentences with multiple verbs often use has also, especially with compound perfect tenses (She has also completed her assignments and attended the meetings). Shorter, simpler sentences highlighting possessions or attributes often favor also has (She also has a car). The placement should ensure clarity and natural rhythm.

Are there exceptions to these rules?

Few exceptions exist, mostly in stylistic or poetic writing, where word order may shift for emphasis or rhythm. In standard English, the guidelines about possession vs. action and main vs. auxiliary verbs hold. Context and intended meaning always override rigid formulae. Practicing with diverse examples minimizes errors and helps develop a natural sense of correct usage.