Can You Say “And Also” often trips learners because the phrase feels both natural and redundant at the same time. The English language is full of tricky rules, and even skilled speakers pause before deciding if “and also” works smoothly in their sentence.
From teaching experience, I’ve noticed that many learners overthink its use. While the phrase looks simple, placing it correctly adds clarity to writing. Think of it as a tool: sometimes it gives your words power, while at other times, it confuses.
That’s why paying attention to small details matters. Using “and also” isn’t wrong, but it should be handled with care. Once you understand its nuance, you’ll feel more confident writing naturally, without hesitation, and without breaking the flow of your thoughts.
Understanding “And” vs. “Also”
Before we can judge whether “and also” makes sense, we need to see how each word works on its own.
The Role of “And”
“And” is a coordinating conjunction. Its job is simple: it connects words, phrases, or clauses that hold equal weight. For example:
- I bought apples and oranges.
- She sings and dances.
- We visited Paris and Rome.
It functions like glue, linking ideas together without changing their importance.
The Role of “Also”
“Also” is an adverb. Unlike conjunctions, adverbs modify or add information. “Also” signals addition or inclusion.
- She is a talented singer. She is also a skilled pianist.
- I like coffee. I also enjoy tea.
- He’s not only smart but also kind.
Here, “also” gives nuance- it doesn’t just connect but emphasizes something extra.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Word | Part of Speech | Function | Example |
| And | Conjunction | Joins two equal parts | I like pizza and pasta. |
| Also | Adverb | Adds emphasis or extra info | I like pizza. I also like pasta. |
Why People Combine Them: “And Also”
If “and” already connects, and “also” already adds, why do speakers double up with “and also”? The answer lies in speech patterns, rhythm, and emphasis.
- In spoken English, people often use redundancy to sound natural or persuasive.
- Writers sometimes use it for rhetorical effect.
Examples:
- “She’s smart, and also incredibly hardworking.”
- “The policy will benefit students, and also teachers.”
It may not always be grammatically necessary, but it helps speakers create flow or stress an idea.
Historical Use
Interestingly, “and also” isn’t new. It appears in English texts going back centuries. Authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen occasionally used it, showing that redundancy has long been part of expressive writing.
Grammar Analysis: Is “And Also” Wrong?
Strict grammarians often label “and also” redundant. After all, both words carry the idea of addition. In a minimalist sense, you could just say:
- “She’s smart and hardworking.”
- “She’s smart, also hardworking.”
However, grammar isn’t only about rules- it’s also about usage and style.
Formal Writing
In professional or academic writing, clarity and conciseness matter. Here, “and also” can seem wordy. A single “and” or “also” usually works better.
Casual Writing and Speech
In everyday talk, people aren’t judged as strictly. “And also” is not wrong– it just leans toward being stylistically heavy.
Verdict:
- Grammatically: Not wrong.
- Stylistically: Often unnecessary unless used for emphasis.
When “And Also” Works (and Doesn’t)
The key lies in context. Sometimes redundancy adds strength. Other times, it just muddies the sentence.
When It Works
- Emphasis: “She’s smart, and also incredibly hardworking.”
- Rhythm: “The project will boost sales and also improve customer trust.”
- Speechwriting: Politicians often use “and also” to sound persuasive.
When It Doesn’t Work
- Overwriting: “I bought apples, oranges, and also bananas.” (Just “and” is enough.)
- Professional Emails: “We’ll discuss this on Monday and also Tuesday.” (Cleaner: “We’ll discuss this on Monday and Tuesday.”)
Smarter Alternatives to “And Also”
If you want variety in your writing- or need a more polished option- better substitutes depend on tone.
Common Alternatives
- As well – casual but clear.
- In addition – formal and professional.
- Plus – conversational.
- Furthermore – academic or persuasive.
- Along with – descriptive.
Substitution Table
| Instead of “And Also” | Use | Example |
| As well | Neutral, everyday | She’s kind as well as smart. |
| In addition | Formal | The plan saves money. In addition, it saves time. |
| Plus | Informal, spoken | We bought bread, plus some fruit. |
| Furthermore | Formal, persuasive | The study is clear. Furthermore, it’s well-documented. |
| Along with | Descriptive | The package includes shoes along with socks. |
Common Mistakes Writers Make with “And Also”
Even though “and also” isn’t technically incorrect, writers often misuse it.
- Overuse: Using it multiple times in one paragraph clutters writing.
- Replacing better transitions: Instead of “and also,” stronger words like furthermore or in addition may be more precise.
- Mixing tones: Casual “and also” in formal academic essays can feel unprofessional.
Redundancy in English: A Broader Look
“And also” is part of a bigger trend- English tolerates redundancy in certain contexts. Sometimes it’s frowned upon, other times it’s embraced.
Everyday Redundancy Examples
- Free gift (all gifts are free).
- ATM machine (the “M” already stands for machine).
- Each and every (overlap in meaning).
These phrases survive because redundancy adds emphasis or rhythm.
Quote on Redundancy
“Redundancy in language is not always a flaw. Sometimes, it’s a feature that makes speech more memorable.” – Deborah Tannen, linguist
Practical Writing Tips to Avoid Overuse
You don’t have to eliminate “and also” entirely- just use it wisely. Here are practical tips:
- Read aloud: If it sounds clunky, cut it.
- Ask if both words are needed: If and works alone, drop also.
- Choose alternatives: Swap in addition or as well for variety.
- Limit redundancy: Don’t use “and also” more than once in a short piece.
Quick Checklist
| Keep “And Also” | Replace It | Delete It |
| For emphasis in a speech | In formal essays | In lists |
| To stress extra importance | In academic writing | In short sentences |
Reader-Focused Clarity: Choosing What Works Best
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your audience.
- Business Writing: Clarity and conciseness win. Avoid “and also.”
- Creative Writing: Rhythm matters; “and also” can add flavor.
- Casual Conversations: It’s perfectly fine- most people won’t even notice.
Think about your goal: Do you want to persuade, inform, or chat casually? The answer tells you whether “and also” belongs in your sentence.
Final Thoughts
English is full of quirks, and the phrase “and also” is one of those expressions that sparks debate. On the surface, it feels redundant because both words convey addition. Yet when you dig deeper, you realize redundancy isn’t always a flaw- it can be a tool.
In casual conversations, “and also” slips out naturally. It adds rhythm, stress, and a touch of emphasis. Politicians, authors, and everyday speakers rely on it without hesitation. In fact, redundancy often makes speech easier to follow. That’s why phrases like “gift” or “every” remain common, even if they’re technically repetitive.
On the other hand, formal writing values conciseness. A business email, academic essay, or technical report calls for cleaner alternatives. Using “and also” may weaken clarity and make sentences feel clunky.
The smart approach? Learn the difference, then choose based on context. Use “and also” when you need extra punch in informal or persuasive settings. Replace it with sharper alternatives like in addition, furthermore, or as well when professionalism demands precision.
Language evolves with use, not just with rules. Understanding when redundancy strengthens communication- and when it doesn’t- will make your writing and speaking more effective. In the end, it’s not about whether you can say “and also.” You can. The real question is whether it’s the best choice for your audience.
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say “and also”?
Yes, it’s grammatically correct, but it is often considered redundant. Both “and” and “also” show addition, so using them together isn’t wrong- it just isn’t always necessary. In casual conversation, it’s fine. In professional or academic writing, avoid it unless you’re aiming for emphasis.
Why do people say “and also”?
People use “and also” because redundancy often feels natural in speech. It helps add rhythm and emphasis. Many speakers don’t consciously think about whether it’s redundant; they simply use it as a way to stress importance or to make sentences flow more smoothly.
Is “and also” acceptable in formal writing?
It’s best to avoid “and also” in formal writing. Business reports, academic essays, or technical documents require clarity and conciseness. Using just “and” or “also,” or a stronger alternative like “in addition,” keeps sentences professional and avoids unnecessary repetition.
Can “and also” add emphasis?
Yes. In informal writing or speech, “and also” can add emphasis by making something sound stronger. For example, “She’s smart, and also hardworking” stresses both qualities. Used carefully, it can highlight importance, though overuse may weaken writing.
What are better alternatives to “and also”?
Instead of “and also,” try: as well, in addition, furthermore, plus, or along with. Each works in different contexts. For instance, “in addition” suits formal writing, while “plus” works in casual conversation. Choosing the right substitute depends on tone and audience.
Is “and also” redundant?
Yes, technically. Both words carry the same meaning of addition, so “and also” repeats the idea. But redundancy in English isn’t always wrong. In fact, it sometimes adds emphasis or rhythm, which is why the phrase remains common in everyday speech.
