VOA慢速英语2019--Also, Too and As Well

 

Today on Ask a Teacher, a reader from Brazil asks about two common adverbs. Here is his question:

Question:

Hello from Brazil! Teacher, could you explain to us how and when to use "as well" and "too"? Obrigado! – Luan Garcia, Brazil

Answer:

Hello, Luan!

I am happy to talk about the terms “as well” and “too.” I am also happy to talk about the word “also.” All three are adverbs that mean “in addition.” They are used in similar ways.

When to use

Let me start with when to use them.

“Too” is the most informal² but is often the best choice when speaking American English.

“As well” is a little more formal than “too” and less common in American spoken English. Many Americans do use it in writing, however.

“Also” is generally more common in writing than speech.

How to use

Now let’s examine how they are used.

“Too” and “as well” usually come at the end of sentences. Listen to a short exchange:

Jerome is going to Mardi Gras.

I’m going to Mardi Gras, too!

The person could use “as well,” although it sounds somewhat³ formal:

I’m going to Mardi Gras as well.

Where is ‘also’?

The word “also” can appear many places in a sentence or clause⁴. Here are a few.

At the start of a sentence, it can be used to present a new subject:

We’re so excited. Also, we brought a surprise.

But more often “also” appears in other positions, such as before the main verb¹:

We’re so excited. We also brought a surprise.

When “be” is the main verb, “also” comes after “be”:

I am also really excited.

Negatives

Lastly, none of these adverbs are used in negative statements⁶. Instead, use the word “either” or “neither.”

I can’t go to Mardi Gras this year.

That’s sad. Neither can I.

I can’t either.

And, one small note about “too:” It has a second meaning but that will be a subject for another day!

And that’s Ask a Teacher.

I’m Alice Bryant.

Words in This Story

adverb – n. a word that is often used to show time, manner, place or degree

informal – adj. not suited for serious or official speech and writing

Mardi Gras – n. the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent that is often celebrated⁷ with parades⁸ and parties

clause – n. a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb

excite⁵ – adj. very enthusiastic and eager about something

negative – adj. expressing denial or refusal

1 verb   

n.[语]动词

参考例句：

• The sentence is formed from a verb and two nouns.这句子由一个动词和两个名词构成。
• These are the finite forms of a verb.这些是一个动词的限定形式。

2 informal   

adj.非正式的，不拘礼的，通俗的

参考例句：

• I got an informal reception.我受到了非正式接待。
• The leaders met over informal lunches.领袖们在非正式午餐时进行会晤。

3 somewhat   

pron.一些，某物；adv.多少，几分

参考例句：

• The cake we made was somewhat of a failure.我们做的蛋糕不大成功。
• The two office buildings are somewhat alike in appearance.这两座办公楼在外形上有点相似。

4 clause   

n.（正式文件或法律文件的）条款，从句，分句

参考例句：

• The sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause.这句中有一个主句和一个从句。
• What clause do you require in the contract?你要求在合同中订上什么条款？

5 excite   

v.刺激，使...兴奋，激励

参考例句：

• The boy gets excite at once.这个男孩立刻变得很激动。
• Try not to excite your baby too much before bedtime.睡觉前尽量别使宝宝太兴奋。

6 statements   

n.声明( statement的名词复数 )；（思想、观点、文章主题等的）表现；（文字）陈述；结算单

参考例句：

• We are faced with two apparently contradictory statements. 我们面前这两种说法显然是矛盾的。
• The report is inconsistent with the financial statements. 这个报告与财务报表内容不一致。

7 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

8 parades   

n.（部队的）检阅( parade的名词复数 )v.（使）集合接受检阅( parade的第三人称单数 )；游行，列队行进；展示，炫耀

参考例句：

• There are parades with dragons as part of the New Year celebrations. 新年庆祝的时候，其中一个节目是跑龙套。 来自超越目标英语 第1册
• They usually watch sports and parades on TV. 他们通常在电视上看体育和欢庆活动的节目。 来自超越目标英语 第1册