There's a long-standing debate in the world of English grammar concerning the appropriateness of ending a sentence with the word "also". Some purists insist it's a cardinal sin, while others argue that it's quite acceptable in certain contexts. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the matter, providing you with all the clarity you need on this grammatical quandary.
The Role of "Also" in a Sentence
"Also" is an adverb, which means it's a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Its primary function is to add information or emphasize a point. "Also" is typically used in sentences to mean "in addition," "as well," or "too."
For example, in the sentence, "John likes apples. He also likes oranges," the word "also" indicates that in addition to liking apples, John likes oranges as well. Importantly, "also" is often used to introduce new information related to the preceding statement or to emphasize a particular point.
Instances Where Ending With "Also" Works Well
There are indeed cases where a sentence can end with "also," and it can be perfectly grammatical and stylistically acceptable. Usually, these are instances where "also" is used for emphasis or to add a certain rhythm or balance to the sentence.
The following table presents five real-world examples where sentences end with "also":
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| "I love chocolate cake. I love vanilla, also." | Here, "also" emphasizes that the speaker loves both chocolate and vanilla cakes. |
| "She's not just a writer, but a painter, also." | "Also" is used to emphasize the additional skill the person possesses. |
| "You're my friend. You're my confidant, also." | In this case, "also" is used to highlight the additional role the person plays. |
| "He went to the store. To the library, he went also." | "Also" is used here for stylistic effect, adding a certain rhythm to the sentence. |
| "We are all dreamers. We are believers, also." | Here, "also" serves to emphasize the additional characteristic shared by the group. |
Instances Where Caution is Needed
While it's not grammatically incorrect to end a sentence with "also," it can sometimes result in awkward or confusing sentences. This is especially true in formal writing, where such a construction might be considered stylistically inappropriate.
The following table presents five examples where ending a sentence with "also" might be awkward or potentially confusing:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| "I like to read. I like to write, also." | This sentence might be better phrased as "I also like to write." |
| "He's a doctor. He's a researcher, also." | The sentence could be more elegantly written as "He's also a researcher." |
| "We went to the park. To the museum, we went also." | This sentence could be clearer if written as "We also went to the museum." |
| "She likes playing chess. Playing piano, she likes also." | A better construction might be "She also likes playing piano." |
| "They're learning Spanish. They're learning French, also." | This sentence could be clearer if written as "They're also learning French." |
Tips for Using "Also" at the End of a Sentence
If you decide to use "also" at the end of a sentence, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, be aware that it can sometimes come across as overly formal or old-fashioned. Secondly, ensure that the meaning of your sentence remains clear when "also" is placed at the end.
- DO use "also" at the end of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect.
- DO ensure that your sentence remains clear and understandable.
- DON'T overuse this construction, as it can make your writing seem overly formal or stilted.
- DON'T use "also" at the end of a sentence if it makes the sentence confusing or awkward.
Common Misconceptions and Myths
There are a few common misconceptions and myths surrounding the use of "also" at the end of a sentence. One of the most prevalent is the idea that it's always grammatically incorrect to do so.
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Myth: It's always incorrect to end a sentence with "also."
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Fact: While it might not always be the best stylistic choice, it's not grammatically incorrect to end a sentence with "also."
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Myth: Using "also" at the end of a sentence is a sign of poor writing.
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Fact: While overuse of this construction can make writing seem stilted, the occasional use of "also" at the end of a sentence can add emphasis or a certain rhythm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there's a widespread belief that ending a sentence with "also" is always incorrect, that's not necessarily the case. "Also" can be used at the end of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect, although caution should be exercised to prevent awkward or confusing sentences. Remember, clarity and readability should be your primary concern when deciding where to place "also" in a sentence.
