Is “Also Is” or “Is Also” Correct? Clear Examples Inside
Navigating the nuances of English grammar can sometimes feel like a labyrinth, with common phrases and constructions leading to frequent questions. Among these, the placement of adverbs, particularly “also,” alongside the verb “to be,” presents a recurring point of confusion for many writers and speakers. The specific dilemma of whether to use “also is” or “is also” is a prime example of how a seemingly minor grammatical choice can impact clarity and flow.
Understanding the correct and most natural-sounding order is crucial for effective communication. This article delves into the distinctions, provides clear examples, and explains the grammatical principles that underpin these common constructions, ensuring you can confidently employ them in your writing and speech.
The Role of Adverbs and Verb Placement
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about manner, time, place, or degree. The adverb “also” typically indicates addition or inclusion.
In English, adverbs have preferred positions within a sentence, especially when modifying the verb “to be.” This placement often depends on the sentence structure and the desired emphasis.
Generally, adverbs of frequency and manner are placed after the verb “to be” when it stands alone as the main verb.
Understanding “Is Also”
The construction “is also” is the more common and generally preferred order when “is” is acting as the main verb in a sentence, followed by a predicate adjective or noun.
Here, “also” functions as an adverb modifying the verb “is,” indicating that something else is true or applies in addition to what has already been stated.
This order typically sounds more natural and flows better in most standard English constructions.
“Is Also” with Predicate Adjectives
When “is” is followed by an adjective that describes the subject, “also” usually precedes the adjective.
For example, consider the sentence: “The weather today is also beautiful.” Here, “is” is the verb, and “beautiful” is the predicate adjective describing “weather.” The adverb “also” modifies “is,” indicating that the beauty of the weather is an additional characteristic or aspect being noted.
Another instance might be: “She is also very talented.” The subject “She” is described by the predicate adjective “talented,” with “is also” indicating an additional quality.
“Is Also” with Predicate Nouns
Similarly, when “is” is followed by a noun that renames or identifies the subject, “also” typically comes before the noun.
Consider: “He is also a skilled musician.” In this case, “is” is the linking verb, and “a skilled musician” is the predicate noun identifying “He.” The adverb “also” adds that this identification is in addition to other roles or characteristics.
Another example: “This book is also a bestseller.” The subject “This book” is identified as “a bestseller,” and “also” signifies this is an additional status.
“Is Also” in Complex Sentences
In more complex sentence structures, the placement of “is also” often remains consistent when “is” functions as the primary linking verb.
For instance: “Not only is the service efficient, but it is also remarkably friendly.” Here, “is also” modifies “friendly,” reinforcing the idea of addition.
The standard position for adverbs like “also” with the verb “to be” is generally after the verb when it is the sole verb or a linking verb, and before the element it modifies (adjective or noun).
This grammatical tendency helps maintain a clear and intuitive sentence rhythm.
When “Also Is” Might Appear (and Why It’s Less Common)
The construction “also is” is significantly less common in standard English and can often sound awkward or grammatically incorrect.
It typically occurs in very specific contexts, often involving inversions or when “is” is part of a phrasal verb or a subordinate clause where the word order is altered for stylistic or emphatic reasons.
However, for general declarative sentences, “also is” is usually avoided in favor of “is also.”
Inversions and Emphasis
One scenario where “also is” might appear is in certain types of inversions, particularly in more formal or literary writing, or for specific emphatic effect.
For example, in a sentence starting with a negative adverbial phrase, inversion might occur: “Never before has the situation also been so dire.” While grammatically possible, this construction can sound stilted and is less common than placing “also” after “been” in a non-inverted sentence.
The natural inclination in English grammar is to place adverbs like “also” after the finite verb (like “is” or “was”) when it’s the main verb, or between the auxiliary and main verb in compound tenses.
“Also Is” in Subordinate Clauses (Rare)
In some rare instances within subordinate clauses, particularly those introduced by conjunctions that cause inversion or unusual word order, you might encounter “also is.”
However, these are often exceptions rather than the rule and can sometimes be rephrased for greater clarity and naturalness.
For instance, a sentence like “He argued that the problem also is the lack of funding” might be more commonly and smoothly phrased as “He argued that the problem is also the lack of funding.”
The preference for “is also” stems from established adverb placement rules in English, which prioritize clarity and flow.
Grammatical Rules Governing Adverb Placement
The placement of adverbs in English is governed by a set of conventions, though there can be some flexibility depending on the adverb and the sentence’s emphasis.
Generally, adverbs of frequency, manner, and degree that modify the verb “to be” are placed after the verb when it is the only verb in the clause.
This rule is a cornerstone of standard English syntax.
The “Be” Verb Rule
When “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) acts as the main verb, adverbs like “also,” “always,” “never,” “often,” “usually,” “seldom,” etc., typically follow it.
This creates the “is also” or “was never” structure.
The adverb is seen as modifying the state of being or the characteristic described by the predicate adjective or noun.
Adverbs in Compound Verb Phrases
When “to be” is used as an auxiliary verb (forming continuous tenses or the passive voice), adverbs are often placed between the auxiliary “be” verb and the main verb.
For example, “He is also working on a new project.” Here, “is” is the auxiliary, and “working” is the main verb. “Also” correctly sits between them.
This placement maintains a clear distinction between the auxiliary’s function and the main verb’s action, with the adverb modifying the entire verb phrase.
However, this rule applies when “be” is an auxiliary, not the primary linking verb.
Context Matters: When to Choose Which
The choice between “is also” and “also is” ultimately depends on the specific grammatical context and the desired emphasis, though “is also” is overwhelmingly the standard choice.
Understanding the function of “is” within the sentence is key to making the correct decision.
When “is” functions as a linking verb connecting the subject to a description or identity, “is also” is almost always the correct and natural phrasing.
Declarative Sentences
In straightforward declarative sentences, the typical structure is subject + “is” + “also” + predicate.
Example: “The new restaurant is also quite popular.” This sentence clearly states an additional fact about the restaurant.
The adverb “also” enhances the predicate noun “popular,” indicating this is an additional attribute.
Questions
In questions, the word order changes, and the placement of “also” can be affected.
For example: “Is the new policy also going to affect our department?” Here, “is” is the auxiliary verb, and “also” is placed between the auxiliary and the main verb “going.”
If “is” were the main verb, a question might be phrased: “Is he also the team leader?” The subject “he” is followed by “is also” before the predicate noun “the team leader.”
The underlying principle of placing “also” after “is” (when it’s the main verb) generally holds, even in interrogative forms.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common errors is the overuse or incorrect placement of “also,” leading to awkward phrasing.
Relying on the standard placement rules for adverbs with the verb “to be” can help prevent these mistakes.
Pay close attention to whether “is” is acting as a linking verb or an auxiliary verb.
Over-reliance on “Also Is”
Some writers might incorrectly assume that placing “also” before the verb is always correct, leading to constructions like “also is.”
This can happen when writers are not fully considering the role of “is” in the sentence or are influenced by sentence structures where adverbs do precede verbs.
Always pause to identify the verb and the adverb’s function.
Ignoring Sentence Flow
Grammar rules are not just about correctness; they are also about creating clear, readable prose.
The “is also” construction generally contributes to a smoother, more natural flow in English compared to “also is.”
Reading sentences aloud can help identify awkward phrasing that might arise from incorrect adverb placement.
Practical Examples and Usage Scenarios
To solidify understanding, let’s look at practical examples across various contexts.
These scenarios demonstrate the correct and natural application of “is also.”
They highlight how this construction enhances clarity and conveys additive information effectively.
Everyday Conversation
“My sister is also a doctor.” This is a standard and clear statement indicating an additional profession for the sister.
“This restaurant is also known for its excellent desserts.” Here, “is also” highlights an additional positive attribute.
The phrase is used to add another piece of information without disrupting the sentence’s natural rhythm.
Formal Writing
In academic papers or professional reports, maintaining grammatical correctness is paramount.
“The study is also significant for its novel methodology.” This sentence uses “is also” to add emphasis to the study’s importance.
Even in formal contexts, the “is also” structure maintains its precedence for clarity and standard English usage.
Creative Writing
While creative writing allows for more stylistic freedom, clarity often remains a priority.
“Her smile is also captivating, much like her voice.” This uses “is also” to draw a parallel or add a similar quality.
The construction helps weave descriptive elements together smoothly.
Variations with Other Forms of “To Be”
The principles governing “is also” extend to other forms of the verb “to be.”
For instance, “are also,” “was also,” and “were also” follow the same pattern.
The adverb “also” typically follows these forms when they act as the main verb.
“Are Also”
“The students are also participating in the debate club.” Here, “are” is an auxiliary verb, and “also” is correctly placed between “are” and the main verb “participating.”
“These findings are also consistent with previous research.” In this case, “are” is the linking verb, and “also” precedes the predicate adjective “consistent.”
The pattern remains consistent: after “be” when it’s the main verb, between auxiliary and main verb.
“Was Also” and “Were Also”
“The event was also a great success.” “Was” is the linking verb, and “also” modifies the predicate noun “success.”
“The participants were also informed of the schedule changes.” Here, “were” is an auxiliary verb in the passive voice, and “also” is placed between “were” and “informed.”
These examples reinforce the general rule of adverb placement with forms of “to be.”
The Nuances of Emphasis and Style
While “is also” is the standard, slight variations in emphasis can sometimes influence word order, though rarely to the point of using “also is” in typical declarative sentences.
The primary goal of adverb placement is to convey meaning clearly and naturally.
The standard positions usually achieve this most effectively.
Emphasis on Addition
The “is also” structure naturally emphasizes the additive nature of the information being conveyed.
It signals that what follows is an additional point, characteristic, or fact.
This subtle emphasis is a key reason for its prevalence.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
In both formal and informal English, “is also” is the expected and correct construction.
The choice between “is also” and alternative phrasing might be more about stylistic preference or avoiding repetition, rather than a strict rule leading to “also is.”
Consistency in using “is also” ensures a professional and grammatically sound tone.
When “Is” is Not the Main Verb
It’s important to distinguish when “is” is the main verb versus when it’s part of a larger verb phrase.
The placement of “also” changes significantly in these different grammatical roles.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for correct adverb placement.
“Is” as an Auxiliary Verb
When “is” is an auxiliary verb, forming present continuous or passive voice, “also” is typically placed between the auxiliary “is” and the main verb.
Example: “The team is also preparing for the next phase.” Here, “is” is auxiliary to “preparing.”
This placement separates the auxiliary’s function from the action of the main verb while incorporating the adverbial meaning.
“Is” in Complex Predicates
In some sentences with compound predicates, the placement might seem more complex, but the core rule often applies to the primary linking verb.
Example: “He is tired and also needs a break.” Here, “is” links to “tired,” and “also” connects the second predicate “needs a break.”
The key is to analyze the immediate function of “is” in relation to the words directly following it.
The Importance of Clarity and Readability
Ultimately, the rules of grammar, including adverb placement, serve the purpose of clear and effective communication.
The “is also” construction is favored because it aligns with the natural rhythm and expectations of English speakers.
Adhering to this standard ensures that your message is understood without ambiguity.
Avoiding Ambiguity
Correctly placed adverbs prevent misinterpretation.
The consistent use of “is also” avoids the potential confusion that might arise from less common or awkward constructions.
Clarity is paramount in all forms of writing and speech.
Natural Language Flow
English has an inherent rhythm, and certain word orders feel more natural than others.
The “is also” pattern fits seamlessly into this natural flow, making sentences easier to process and understand.
This ease of processing enhances overall readability.
Summary of Best Practices
To ensure correct usage, remember that “is also” is the standard and most natural construction when “is” acts as the main linking verb.
When “is” functions as an auxiliary verb, “also” typically follows it, preceding the main verb.
The less common “also is” construction is generally reserved for specific stylistic inversions or complex grammatical structures and should be used with caution.
Key Takeaway
For the vast majority of sentences, particularly declarative ones, opt for “is also.”
This choice reflects standard English grammar and promotes clarity and readability.
Trust this common construction for your everyday writing needs.
When to Reconsider
If you find yourself tempted to use “also is,” pause and re-evaluate the sentence structure.
It’s highly probable that “is also” or a different adverb placement would be more appropriate and grammatically sound.
Consulting grammar resources or reading examples can further reinforce correct usage.