In English writing and English speech, Can You Say “And Also”? often feels tricky because grammar rules blur clarity and flow for learners today.The English language is a tricky language full of nuances and little rules.
When learning English, grammar, good grammar, or a grammar quiz can turn one grammar rule into stress. I’ve felt feeling confident one minute and second-guessing my word choice the next.
Sentence structure, sentence clarity, sentence flow, and smooth sentences matter. A tiny phrase like “and also”, formed from and and also, sits among linking words and conjunctions. Its conjunctions usage affects expressions, meaning, and proper usage.
The question, the straight question, is whether you can say it and if it’s correct, wrong, or right. In real writing, emails, essays, and blog posts, feels redundant, and can sound repetitive, causing repetition and redundancy that feels unnecessary, though context can make it necessary and acceptable.
What “And” and “Also” Do in English
English is full of words that add information. “And” and “also” both do that, but they play slightly different roles.
What “And” Does
- Joins equal ideas
- Connects phrases without changing tone
- Works as a simple connector
Examples:
- I went to the store and bought milk.
- She read the report and emailed it.
In both sentences “and” connects two ideas of equal weight.
What “Also” Does
- Emphasizes addition
- Adds a sense of extra information
- Can shift focus or tone
Examples:
- She wrote the report. She also emailed it.
- You need to submit the form. You also have to pay the fee.
Here, “also” highlights the second action as something extra. That emphasis matters.
Why Writers Put “And Also” Together
In casual speech, people often use both words together: “I went there and also did this.” It sounds conversational. But good writing aims for clarity and economy.
People use “and also” for these reasons:
- Habit from spoken English
- Trying to add emphasis
- Translating directly from other languages
- Not sure where to place “also” in a sentence
Example in spoken English:
“I finished the report and also sent it to you.”
Saying it sounds natural. Writing it often feels heavy.
Historical Use of “And Also”
In older English texts, repetition and redundancy were more common. Writers used rich, sometimes repetitive phrasing to emphasize. But modern English values clarity and conciseness.
Most contemporary style guides don’t recommend “and also” unless there’s a specific reason for emphasis.
Grammar Reality: Is “And Also” Wrong?
No. It isn’t grammatically wrong. Two adverbs or connectors together don’t break any rule by themselves.
But here’s the key:
Grammar rules don’t guarantee good writing. Something can be correct but still clumsy or redundant.
Think of it like this:
“I absolutely must definitely go now.”
It’s not incorrect, but it’s repetitive.
Same with:
“I finished the task and also submitted it.”
It repeats the sense of addition without adding value.
Formal Writing: Should You Use “And Also”?
In formal writing—academic essays, business reports, professional content—clarity and precision matter. Redundant phrases often weaken authority.
Better:
- She researched the topic and shared results.
- She researched the topic. She also shared results.
Weaker:
- She researched the topic and also shared results.
In formal settings, avoid “and also” unless you have a strong reason.
Casual Writing & Speech: Does It Ever Work?
Yes. In informal emails, text messages, and casual blogs, writers often speak in a relaxed style.
Example:
“I grabbed lunch and also ran into an old friend.”
Here it’s conversational and feels natural. It mimics how people actually talk.
So yes, in style-driven or voice-rich writing, “and also” can appear. But even here, use it sparingly.
When “And Also” Actually Works
There are real cases where the phrase is fine:
For Emphasis in Dialogue
“I did all that and also saved the project.”
The repetition builds emotional weight.
In Realistic Speech in Fiction
Characters often speak in a way that isn’t minimal.
When Setting Up a Rhetorical Beat
Sometimes writers want a deliberate pause or buildup.
“We fixed the bugs and also improved performance.”
Here, the reader senses a rhythmic pause.
But this is rare. Use it with intention, not habit.
When “And Also” Hurts Your Writing
Most of the time, “and also” just adds noise.
Common Issues
- Redundancy
- Wordiness
- Slower reading flow
- Weaker clarity
When you use both words together, you stack meanings that one word could handle alone.
Smarter Alternatives to “And Also”
Rather than stacking words, choose one that fits best.
Single-Word Replacements
- And
- Also
- Too
- As well
- Plus
Better Structural Options
Rewriting your sentence often gives cleaner logic.
Example:
Instead of:
“I updated the spreadsheet and also sent it to the client.”
Try:
“I updated the spreadsheet. I also sent it to the client.”
Or:
“I updated the spreadsheet and sent it to the client.”
Substitution Table
| Original Phrase | Better Option | Why It Works |
| and also | and | Simple connection |
| and also | also | Focused addition |
| and also | as well | Smooth, natural |
| and also | plus | Informal, clean |
Using the right choice keeps sentences clear and punchy.
Practical Writing Tips to Avoid Redundancy
Here are real editing habits that make a big difference.
Checklist for Editing
- Does every word add meaning?
- Can you cut one word with no loss?
- Does the sentence flow when read aloud?
- Does removing “and also” keep logic?
After asking these, you’ll see how often the phrase simply weighs down your writing.
Common Mistakes Writers Make With “And Also”
Here are patterns to watch out for.
1. Habitual Use
Some writers insert “and also” without thinking.
2. Mistaking Emphasis
They think two words equal stronger meaning.
3. Copying Speech Too Closely
Speech and writing are different. What’s okay in talk isn’t always fine on the page.
4. Stacking Redundancy
Adding more connectors than needed.
Example:
“We planned ahead and also prepared early.”
Both pairs mean the same thing. One is enough.
Read More: Under the Table Idiom: Meaning and Real-World Implications
Redundancy in English: A Broader Look
Redundancy isn’t always bad. In speech, it can:
- Add rhythm
- Soften statement
- Create a conversational tone
But in writing, especially where clarity matters, redundancy is usually noise.
Everyday Redundancy Examples
- Close proximity → proximity (close is implied)
- Absolutely essential → essential (already strong)
- Completely finished → finished (finishing is absolute)
Redundancy becomes distracting when readers expect efficient communication.
Expert Opinions: What Writing Guides Say
Here’s a quote from a respected editor (paraphrased for clarity):
“Redundancy weakens precision. Remove what doesn’t add meaning.”
Most modern style manuals—AP, Chicago, and MLA—favor concise expression.
Case Study: Editing Real Sentences
Before Editing
“We reviewed the budget and also confirmed the projections for next year.”
After Editing
- “We reviewed the budget and confirmed next year’s projections.”
- “We reviewed the budget. We also confirmed next year’s projections.”
Either revision reads cleaner and stronger.
Result
- Fewer words
- Same meaning
- Better flow
How to Train Your Eye for Cleaner Writing
Clean writing isn’t magic. It’s habit.
Try These Exercises
- Read aloud. Awkward phrases stand out.
- Highlight connectors like “and,” “also,” “but,” and “so.” Then ask: Do I need both?
- Time yourself. Shorter sentences often read faster and clearer.
Quick Editing Checklist
Use this table every time you edit.
| Editing Step | What to Ask |
| Connector check | Should I drop one? |
| Sentence length | Can it be shorter without losing sense? |
| Emphasis | Am I using redundancy for style or necessity? |
| Readability | Does it sound natural when spoken? |
This simple grid boosts clarity fast.
FAQs
1. Can you say “and also” in correct English?
Yes, you can say “and also” in correct English. It’s acceptable, but only when you need emphasis or want to highlight extra information. Otherwise, it may feel unnecessary.
2. Why does “and also” sound redundant sometimes?
It sounds redundant because and and also both add information. Using them together can create repetition, which may weaken sentence clarity and sentence flow.
3. Is “and also” wrong in writing and speech?
No, it’s not wrong in English writing or English speech. However, in formal writing, like essays or emails, it can sound clumsy if overused.
4. When should learners avoid using “and also”?
Learners should avoid it when and alone does the job. If the sentence stays clear, concise, and smoother without it, skipping also improves effective communication.
5. What are better alternatives to “and also”?
You can use also, too, as well, or simply restructure the sentence. These stronger alternatives help connect ideas without hurting clarity or tone.
Conclusion
So, Can You Say “And Also”? Yes, you can, but context is everything. In the English language, small choices shape meaning, flow, and power. From my experience, knowing when and how to use it builds confidence, improves fluency, and helps you write and speak with purpose. When used with care, it works. When overused, it distracts. The key is balance.
