Was Also vs. Also Was – Which is Correct?

Both “was also” and “also was” are grammatically correct phrases in English. “Was also” is the more common and neutral construction, placing the adverb “also” after the auxiliary verb “was.” “Also was” is typically used for emphasis, stylistic variation, or in specific contexts where the adverb precedes the verb for rhetorical effect.

Was Also or Also Was – Which is Correct?

The distinction between “was also” and “also was” primarily lies in emphasis and typical adverb placement rather than grammatical correctness. Both phrases are valid, but they convey subtle differences in tone and focus. “Was also” follows the standard English grammar rule where adverbs of frequency or manner, such as “also,” generally come after forms of the verb “to be.” This makes “was also” the more common, natural-sounding, and neutral choice.

Conversely, “also was” places the adverb “also” before the verb “was.” While less common, this construction is not incorrect. It is often employed for rhetorical effect, to add emphasis to the fact that something “also” occurred or existed, or to introduce a new piece of information that builds upon a previous statement. It can create a slightly more formal or literary tone.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think about emphasis. The standard order, “was also,” is like a neutral statement: “He was also invited.” It simply adds information. The inverted order, “also was,” puts a spotlight on the “also,” emphasizing the additional aspect: “Also was he invited, despite their differences.” If you want to highlight the ‘in addition’ part, use ‘also was’; otherwise, ‘was also’ is generally safer and smoother.

Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning / Emphasis	Example
was also	Auxiliary Verb + Adverb	Standard, neutral; indicates something existed or happened in addition.	The event was also a fundraiser for charity.
also was	Adverb + Auxiliary Verb	Emphatic, stylistic; highlights the ‘in addition’ aspect or introduces new information.	Also was the city’s infrastructure severely damaged.

How to Use Was Also

“Was also” is the most common and grammatically standard way to express that something existed or occurred in addition to something else, particularly when “was” functions as an auxiliary verb or a linking verb. The adverb “also” typically follows the verb “to be” in such constructions. This phrase maintains a neutral and straightforward tone, making it suitable for most contexts, from casual conversations to formal academic writing.

Example 1: She was also a talented musician, in addition to being a skilled painter.

Example 2: The meeting was also attended by several international delegates.

Example 3: My concern was also about the long-term environmental impact.

Etymology of the word Was Also

The word “was” comes from Old English wæs, which is the past tense singular form of the verb “to be.” Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *wesaną and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European *h₂wes-, meaning ‘to dwell, reside’. The word “also” originated from Old English ealswā, a compound of eal ‘all’ and swā ‘so’, meaning ‘all so’ or ‘just as’. Over time, its meaning evolved to ‘in the same manner’ and then to ‘in addition’.

How to Use Also Was

“Also was” is a grammatically correct but less common construction that places the adverb “also” before the verb “was.” This inversion often serves to add emphasis to the adverb, drawing particular attention to the fact that something is true “in addition” to what has already been stated. It can be used to introduce a new, related point, or to create a more formal, literary, or dramatic effect. This structure is frequently found at the beginning of a clause or sentence, especially in more elevated prose.

Example 1: The main hall was decorated beautifully; also was the garden meticulously maintained.

Example 2: Throughout history, art has reflected society; also was it a powerful tool for social commentary.

Example 3: The initial report highlighted several issues; also was the question of funding a significant concern.

Etymology of the word Also Was

The etymology of “also was” draws from the same origins as “was also.” “Also” derives from Old English ealswā, meaning ‘all so’ or ‘just as’, evolving to mean ‘in addition’. “Was” comes from Old English wæs, the past tense singular of “to be,” tracing back through Proto-Germanic to Proto-Indo-European roots for ‘to dwell’ or ‘to exist’. The combination of these words in this specific order is a matter of English syntax and stylistic choice, rather than a distinct etymological origin for the phrase itself.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps clarify the nuances between “was also” and “also was.”

• Adverb Placement: This concept explains where adverbs typically appear in a sentence. While adverbs often follow auxiliary verbs or precede main verbs, their position can sometimes be shifted for emphasis or stylistic reasons, as seen with “also.”
• Emphasis and Inversion: English allows for inversion of word order (like placing an adverb before a verb) to create emphasis or a particular rhetorical effect. This is why “also was” can feel more impactful or formal than “was also.”
• Auxiliary Verbs: “Was” functions as an auxiliary (helping) verb in many contexts, forming verb phrases like “was running” or “was seen.” The placement of adverbs relative to these auxiliaries is a key aspect of English grammar.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “He was also a member of the secret society, a detail only revealed years later.” – (Fictional novel excerpt)
• “The company’s profits soared, but the ethical concerns was also a topic of heated debate among shareholders.” – (News article, June 2026)
• “And also was the land a place of ancient magic, untouched by mortal hands.” – (Fantasy novel excerpt)
• “She had been warned, yet also was her determination unwavering.” – (Historical drama script)
• “The concert was also a tribute to the late jazz legend, featuring many of his classic compositions.” – (Concert review, May 2026)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The film received critical acclaim, and it __________ a box office success. (was also / also was)
2. Beyond its beauty, the ancient artifact __________ believed to possess mystical powers. (was also / also was)
3. He wasn’t just a great leader; he __________ a compassionate mentor to many. (was also / also was)
4. The original plan seemed solid, but __________ the challenge of execution quite formidable. (was also / also was)
5. During the famine, food was scarce, and __________ clean water a precious commodity. (was also / also was)

Answer Key

1. was also (more neutral, standard flow)
2. was also (standard placement for simply adding information)
3. was also (neutral, adding a quality)
4. also was (for emphasis on the ‘also’ and a slightly more formal tone, often at the beginning of a clause)
5. also was (for emphasis and a more dramatic, formal tone, especially when starting a new thought with an inversion)

Also Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Additionally	In addition to what has been said or done; as an extra item or amount.
Too	In addition; also. (Often placed at the end of a clause.)
As well	In addition; also. (Often placed at the end of a clause.)
Moreover	As a further matter; besides. (More formal, used to add a point.)
Furthermore	In addition; besides. (Similar to moreover, used to add a reinforcing point.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “also was” ever grammatically incorrect?
No, “also was” is not grammatically incorrect. While less common than “was also,” it is a valid construction often used for emphasis or stylistic effect, particularly in formal or literary contexts.

Question 2: When should I choose “also was” over “was also”?
You should choose “also was” when you want to place particular emphasis on the “also” (the additional aspect) or when you are aiming for a more formal, rhetorical, or dramatic tone. It can effectively introduce a new, related point, especially at the beginning of a clause.

Question 3: Does the meaning change between “was also” and “also was”?
The core meaning of “in addition” remains the same. However, the nuance changes. “Was also” is neutral and simply adds information. “Also was” subtly shifts the emphasis to the “in addition” part, making it more prominent or impactful in the sentence’s overall message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both “was also” and “also was” are perfectly acceptable in English grammar, with the key difference lying in typical usage and the emphasis conveyed. “Was also” is the standard, neutral construction, where the adverb “also” follows the auxiliary verb “was,” making it suitable for most everyday communication. “Also was,” conversely, inverts this order, placing “also” before “was” to add emphasis, create a more formal tone, or for stylistic variation. Understanding this subtle distinction allows for more precise and impactful writing. Pro Tip: For clarity and natural flow, opt for “was also” in most situations. Reserve “also was” for instances where you specifically intend to highlight the additional element or achieve a particular rhetorical effect, ensuring your choice aligns with your desired tone and impact.