Learn English – The position of ALSO in a sentence

adverb-placement

I chanced upon this helpful post
and would like to ask if the position of the adverb "also" is just a stylistic preference and personal choice of a speaker, and there are no stringent rules of using it.

You also are allowed to see your son.
You are also allowed to see your
son.

Both of these sentences are gramatically correct, but grammar guides say that the right position of the "also" is after the verb "to be", so, from the school grammar point of view, only the second sentence is right. I also notice that in colloquial speech this rule is often broken.

Best Answer

I would interpret these two sentences with slightly different meanings. The context would probably give a much stronger indication of the correct interpretation, though.

You also are allowed to see your son.

Also qualifies you, which means that other people are allowed to see your son, and you are as well.

You are also allowed to see your son.

Also qualifies are, and means that you are allowed to do lots of things, one of which is to see your son.

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