Can You Say “And Also”? English Grammar Explained

When I started writing and giving speech practice tips, many learners asked, Can You Say “And Also”?, and I explained the phrase “and also” can seem tricky, repetitive, or redundant, but clear, concise sentences and understanding grammar rules make it simple to use.

To use “and also” correctly, it’s necessary to weigh choice, context, and intentional addition. Extra words can restrain a message, while conjunctions like and carry power. Sharp, smoother prose, tone, flow, and emotion help communication stay effective, proper, and acceptable, letting writers and learners decide and grasp sentence structure clearly.

Learners’ confusion often comes from second-guessing, tricky English, word choice, or tiny phrase mistakes. Shaping thought, words, prose, and message with clarity, natural flow, and simple tone ensures readers or listeners understand without repeating things unnecessarily. Knowledge, nuances, usage rules, context, article, case, details, and correct usage make writing and speech confident, balanced, and comprehensive.

Understanding “And Also”

To understand the debate, it helps to look at what “and” and “also” mean individually.

• And is a coordinating conjunction. It connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Example:
  “She likes apples and oranges.”
• Also is an adverb that adds information. It implies addition or emphasis. Example:
  “She likes apples. She also likes oranges.”

When combined, “and also” can add emphasis or a sense of inclusiveness:

“She is smart and also very kind.”

Here, the speaker wants to highlight both qualities separately, not just list them.

Grammar Rules for Using “And Also”

Redundancy Concerns

Some grammar guides argue that “and also” is redundant. Why? Both words indicate addition. So in many sentences, one word is enough.

• Example of redundancy:
  “I like pizza and also pasta.”
• Cleaner alternative:
  “I like pizza and pasta.”

However, redundancy isn’t always bad. Sometimes, it adds emphasis or rhythm, especially in speech.

Acceptable Contexts

When is “and also” acceptable?

1. Emphasis in writing: Highlighting two points individually.
   • Example: “The project is challenging and also incredibly rewarding.”
2. Conversational English: Natural speech often favors “and also” for flow.
   • Example: “She invited me to the party, and also to the movie.
3. Formal writing (sparingly): Generally, style guides recommend limiting “and also” in academic or professional writing because it can feel verbose.

Word Order Considerations

Where you place “and also” affects clarity:

• Correct: “She is talented and also hardworking.”
• Awkward: “And also, she is talented and hardworking.” (Starting a sentence with it can sound informal.)

Tip: Use “and also” mid-sentence for clarity, not as a sentence starter in formal contexts.

Comparing “And Also” with Similar Expressions

English offers multiple ways to express addition. Understanding these can help you choose the most precise phrase.

And vs Also vs And Also

Phrase	Usage	Example	Tone
And	Connects items or ideas	“I like apples and oranges.”	Neutral
Also	Adds information	“I like apples. I also like oranges.”	Slightly formal
And also	Adds emphasis, lists distinct points	“She is smart and also kind.”	Conversational/emphatic

Observation: Use “and also” when you want to separate two ideas while emphasizing both.

Alternatives to “And Also”

Sometimes, other phrases work better depending on tone:

• As well as → formal, balanced: “She enjoys reading as well as writing.”
• In addition → formal, adds weight: “In addition to his job, he volunteers.”
• Along with → neutral, casual: “Along with her brother, she attended the event.”

Common Mistakes with “And Also”

Even experienced speakers misuse this phrase. Here are the most frequent errors:

• Overuse: Repeating “and also” unnecessarily in a paragraph.
  • Incorrect: “He is tall, and also strong, and also intelligent.”
  • Correct: “He is tall, strong, and intelligent.”
• Using it in lists where “and” suffices:
  • Incorrect: “I bought apples, bananas, and also oranges.”
  • Correct: “I bought apples, bananas, and oranges.”
• Starting formal sentences with “And also”:
  • Incorrect: “And also, we need to consider the budget.”
  • Correct: “We also need to consider the budget.”

Pro tip: Always read your sentence aloud. If “and also” feels clunky, replace it with “also” or “and.”

Style and Tone Considerations

“And also” works best when it fits the rhythm and tone of your writing or speech.

• Conversational style:
  Works well in blog posts, dialogues, and casual writing.
  • Example: “I love hiking and also camping.”
• Formal writing:
  Use sparingly to avoid verbosity. Alternatives like “as well as” or “in addition” are preferred.
• Readability tip:
  Short sentences often work better with “and also” to maintain clarity.

Read More: Under the Table Idiom: Meaning, Usage, Examples, and Origins

Real-World Case Studies

Example 1: Literature

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling:

“He was brave and also clever.”

The phrase adds rhythm and emphasizes both traits separately, creating a stronger impression than simply listing them.

Example 2: Journalism

In news articles, “and also” often appears in quotes:

“The city council approved the budget and also passed a new housing regulation.”

Here, it reflects natural speech patterns of the interviewee.

Practical Tips for Using “And Also”

• Use for emphasis – highlight two ideas separately.
• Avoid in long lists – stick to simple “and” for multiple items.
• Check tone – formal writing often requires alternatives.
• Read aloud – ensure sentences flow naturally.
• Use sparingly – overusing can sound repetitive or clunky.

Quick Reference Table

Sentence Type	Correct Usage	Comment
Casual conversation	“She is funny and also smart.”	Perfect for speech or informal writing
Formal writing	“She is funny as well as smart.”	Avoid “and also” in professional docs
Lists	“Apples, bananas, and oranges.”	No “and also” needed
Adding emphasis in writing	“The project is challenging and also rewarding.”	Emphasizes both traits distinctly

FAQs:

Is it grammatically correct to say “and also”?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say “and also” in English. However, it can sometimes sound repetitive because both and and also show addition.

Why does “and also” sound repetitive?

It sounds repetitive because and already connects ideas, and also adds extra information. Using both together may repeat the same function in a sentence.

When is it appropriate to use “and also”?

You can use “and also” when you want to emphasize an additional point. In certain contexts, the phrase adds clarity or highlights importance.

Can I replace “and also” with just “and”?

In many cases, yes. Simply using and keeping your sentence clear and concise without changing the meaning.

Is “and also” acceptable in formal writing?

It is acceptable, but writers should use it carefully. In formal writing, avoiding unnecessary repetition improves clarity and professionalism.

Conclusion:

Saying “and also” is not wrong in English grammar, but it should be used thoughtfully. Since both words express addition, combining them can sometimes create redundancy in a sentence.

For clearer and more effective communication, consider whether and alone does the job. When used intentionally for emphasis, “and also” can still be correct and meaningful.