Of course. It seems your question got cut off, but the prompt "Write an article about Also" is a fascinating challenge. A word so common we barely notice it holds a surprising amount of nuance.
I will write the article by highlighting a few key angles:
- The Grammatical Nuance: The classic "Can you start a sentence with ‘Also’?" debate and its proper placement.
- The Stylistic Trap: How "also" can be a crutch word that weakens writing by creating a simple list instead of a strong argument.
- The Conceptual Power: The philosophical idea behind "also"—what it means to add, to include, and to expand a thought.
Here is the article.
More Than an Add-On: The Surprising Power and Peril of "Also"
It’s a word of four letters, found in nearly every piece of writing, from shopping lists to academic theses. It’s humble, it’s common, and most of the time, we don’t even notice it. But the word “also” carries more weight than you might think. It’s a grammatical workhorse, a potential stylistic trap, and a quiet signal of how we connect our ideas.
Dive a little deeper, and you’ll find that understanding this simple word can make you a more precise and powerful writer.
The Workhorse: Getting the Grammar Right
At its core, “also” is an adverb of addition. Its job is to introduce a new piece of information that complements what has already been said.
- She is a talented musician. She is also a gifted painter.
Simple enough. But its placement can be tricky. “Also” is a mid-position adverb, meaning it usually feels most natural before the main verb, after a modal verb (like can or should), or after the verb to be.
- Correct: I also want a piece of cake.
- Correct: I can also help with that.
- Correct: He is also coming with us.
But what about the age-old rule: “Never start a sentence with Also”?
This is less of a rule and more of a strong stylistic suggestion. Grammatically, it’s perfectly acceptable. However, starting a sentence with "Also" can often feel clunky or informal. It can sound like an afterthought, a piece of information you almost forgot to include.
- Weak: We need to buy milk and bread. Also, we are out of eggs.
- Stronger: We need to buy milk and bread. In addition, we are out of eggs.
- Even Stronger: Along with milk and bread, we need to pick up some eggs.
The takeaway? You can start a sentence with “Also,” but ask yourself if a more robust transitional phrase like “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” or “In addition” might serve your purpose better.
The Writer’s Dilemma: A Crutch Word in Disguise
This is where “also” becomes perilous. Because it’s so easy to use, it can become a crutch that prevents writers from building strong, logical connections between their ideas. When your paragraphs are peppered with “also,” it can be a red flag that you’re simply listing points rather than developing an argument.
Consider this:
- The new marketing campaign increased brand awareness. It also boosted our social media engagement. The campaign was also completed under budget.
This isn’t wrong, but it’s a list. The ideas are connected by simple addition, not by cause and effect or logical progression. The word “also” is doing the bare minimum.
Now, let’s revise it to show a deeper connection:
- The new marketing campaign successfully increased brand awareness, which in turn boosted our social media engagement. Impressively, these results were achieved while remaining under budget.
By removing the repeated “also,” we are forced to think about how the ideas relate. The first led to the second, and the third is an impressive qualifier for both. The writing is more dynamic and analytical. Before you type “also,” pause and ask: Am I just adding another thing, or can I show a more meaningful relationship?
The Conceptual Power: The Philosophy of "And"
Beyond the mechanics, “also” represents a fundamental way of thinking. It’s the word of inclusivity. It’s the counterpoint to “only,” “just,” and “merely.”
In a world that often tries to simplify people and ideas into single labels, “also” is a quiet rebellion.
A person is not just a parent; they are also an artist. A project isn’t just a success; it is also a learning experience. A solution isn’t just efficient; it must also be ethical.
This word allows for complexity and multifaceted truths. It pushes back against reductionism. It says, “Wait, there’s more to the story.” It is the engine of the “yes, and…” mindset. When we use it thoughtfully, we are expanding the frame, adding a layer, and acknowledging that reality is rarely a simple, one-note affair.
So, the next time you find yourself using “also,” give it a moment’s thought. Is it the right tool for the job? Is it placed correctly? Is it a crutch, or is it a deliberate act of addition?
It’s more than just an add-on. It’s a tool that, when used wisely, can make your writing clearer, stronger, and also, more profound.
