All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2569: "As Well Versus Too Versus Also in English"

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this practical, upbeat episode, Lindsay and Michelle break down the subtle (but important) differences and similarities among the English words “too,” “as well,” and “also.” Answering a listener’s question, they use lively examples, insightful comparisons, and a relatable role-play to demonstrate how these connecting words foster conversational flow, build connection, and sometimes slightly alter the tone. They emphasize natural usage, flexibility, and connection over perfection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Listener Context ([02:31]–[04:51])

• Listener Question: Krishna (Wind Lover 3 on YouTube) asks whether “too” and “as well” are interchangeable and if they always mean the same thing.
  • Michelle: “Thank you for the great question, a very specific and for the very sweet message. We really appreciate you.” (04:51)

2. The Word "Too" ([05:33]–[09:47])

• Meaning: Equivalent to “in addition.”
• Formality: Very common and natural; can be formal or informal depending on context.
• Placement: Almost always at the end of a sentence.
  • Examples:
    • “I love that movie too.”
    • “I went to Costco yesterday too.”
    • “Did you grow up in New York too?”
  • Lindsay: “Usually at the end…actually, almost always right at the end of the sentence.” (06:16)
• Rare Formal Use: Sometimes, and mostly for humorous or elevated effect, can appear at the beginning:
  • Example: “I too like that movie.”
    • Michelle: “This really makes it very formal, very stiff…not something that we should really focus on.” (09:12–09:47)
    • Usually heard jokingly or in old-fashioned English.

3. The Phrase "As Well" ([09:59]–[11:48])

• Meaning: Same as “too”—adds information or shows commonality.
• Formality: Slightly more formal than "too," but generally natural and acceptable in casual speech.
  • Lindsay: “I find myself interchanging ‘too’ and ‘as well.’ I don’t feel like it adds that…wall of formality.” (10:02)
  • Michelle: “Not unapproachable…just slightly elevated, but not something you should never say.” (10:37)
• Placement: Generally at the end of the sentence.
  • Examples:
    • “I try to jog every day as well.”
    • “I have that experience with data entry as well.”
    • “Are you graduating next year as well?”
  • Good for professional situations, like job interviews:
    • Example: “I know how to do this program as well.” (11:26)
• Not for Elevated Silliness: Starting a sentence with "as well" as you might say “I too…” is awkward.

4. The Word "Also" ([13:14]–[14:45])

• Meaning: Same function as “too” and “as well.”
• Formality: Neutral—neither formal nor informal.
• Placement: Unlike the others, commonly appears before the main verb or in the middle of a sentence.
  • Examples:
    • “I also love her music.”
    • “Do you also have two dogs?”
    • “I also had a red car growing up.”
  • Can sometimes appear at the end, but feels less natural:
    • Lindsay: “I love her music also. Or I also love her music. Both work for me.” (13:46)
  • Michelle: “Some research said that [also at the end] is not quite as natural sounding, but I…do think you will hear it.” (14:26)

5. Intonation & Building Connection ([14:45]–[16:15])

• Importance of Tone: Use friendly, natural intonation; flat or monotone delivery (“I also love that movie.”) can seem unfriendly or disconnected.
  • Michelle: “You definitely want to show that with your intonation as well.” (15:00)
  • Examples with natural intonation:
    • “I also love that movie!” (enthusiastic intonation)
    • “I ate eggs for breakfast too.” (voice rises slightly at “too”)
    • “I love that book as well.”
• Adding Information: These words can both relate to someone and add further comparable details.
  • Example: “I went to Paris last year. I also went to Tokyo.” (16:08)
  • “We were engaged as well, but it didn't work out.” (16:15)

6. Negative Forms – Brief Mention ([17:01])

• Out-of-scope for this episode, but hosts note negatives use “either,” “neither,” etc.
  • “I’m not a brunch person either.” (for negatives) ([17:01])

7. Role Play: Monday Morning Small Talk ([17:49]–[19:49])

• Scene: Coworkers chatting about their weekend. Demonstrates all three connectors.
  • Michelle: “I spent a lot of time binging TV shows.”
  • Lindsay: “Oh, I watched a lot of TV too.”
  • Michelle: “I slept a lot as well.”
  • Lindsay: “Oh, I also definitely fell asleep every night by nine.”
• Analysis:
  • Michelle: “You … need that ‘too’ to really stick out and be clear though, right?” (19:06)
  • Lindsay: “This is connection here because we’re identifying with each other…maybe that leads to a greater connection or a friendship.” (19:29)

8. Practical Takeaways ([20:31]–[20:57])

• Use "too," "as well," and "also" to build connection by highlighting commonalities, even in simple or silly topics.
  • Michelle: “The more that you can find those [things you have in common], the more you’re going to connect.” (20:31)
  • Lindsay: “It could be the most basic things, like, did you binge a TV show or not?” (20:43)

9. Further Listening Recommendation ([19:49]–[20:22])

• Check out Episode 2555 ("Capture the connection when you agree with someone in English") for “so do I,” “so are we,” “neither am I,” and “me too.”
  • Michelle: “It’s like a pairing of wine and cheese…the perfect match.” (19:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tone/Formality:
  • “I too like that movie.”
    — Michelle (09:00) (“This really makes it very formal, very stiff.”)
  • "Maybe somebody in a joking way ... I have a feeling Chandler on Friends, you know, did something like 'Oh, I too, would love to.'"
    — Michelle (09:17)
• On Connection:
  • “You find your personality. And I think that's what a lot of our listeners … want—to make sure we can be ourselves in English.”
    — Lindsay (12:10)
  • “Use this for connection. And, you know, just always be looking for things that you have in common with people.”
    — Michelle (20:31)
• Role-Play Humor:
  • “We are so exciting.” — Michelle (19:13)
  • “It must be winter time, right?” — Lindsay (18:16)
• On Flexibility:
  • “You can't go too wrong by saying ‘as well.’ Even in a casual situation … it's just a little different.” — Michelle (11:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:31] – Episode setup; listener question introduction
• [05:33]–[09:47] – Deep dive on “too,” rare formal usage, and placement
• [09:59]–[11:48] – Analysis of “as well” compared to “too”
• [13:14]–[14:45] – Exploration of “also” and sentence position
• [14:45]–[16:15] – Using intonation and these words for connection
• [17:49]–[19:49] – Role play demonstrating natural usage
• [19:49]–[20:22] – Additional resource (Episode 2555)
• [20:31]–[20:57] – Final takeaways about seeking connection

Summary Table: "Too" vs "As Well" vs "Also"

| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Common Placement | Formality & Tone | Example | |-------------|----------------|------------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------| | too | in addition | End of sentence | Very natural, flexible | “I have a cat too.” | | as well | in addition | End of sentence | Slightly more formal, but natural | “I have a cat as well.” | | also | in addition | Middle, before main verb (sometimes end) | Neutral | “I also have a cat.” |

Main Takeaways

• “Too,” “as well,” and “also” all express additional information or agreement, with minor variations in formality and placement.
• “Too” and “as well” are almost always at the end of a sentence; “also” usually precedes the main verb.
• Formality: “As well” is a touch more formal; “too” is most casual; “also” is neutral.
• Tone & Intonation: Match your intonation for warmth and approachability—use these words to create connection, not distance.
• Personalization: Choose the word that fits the personality and context of the conversation; don’t stress over minor differences.
• Connection Focus: Relating to others using these words, even about simple things, builds rapport and opens up more natural conversation.

For more on agreement phrases like “so do I”/“me too” etc., check out episode 2555, “Capture the connection when you agree with someone in English.”