Also vs Secondly

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Also

Top 1,000 (very common) A1 adverb

Secondly

Formal Beyond 10,000 (less common) A2 adverb

Most formal: Secondly Most common: Also

	Also	Secondly
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/ˈsekəndli/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈsekəndli/"]/
Meaning	in addition to something else	In the second place; the second reason or point.
Example	She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian.	Firstly, it's expensive, and secondly, it's too slow.
Register	Neutral	Formal
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR level	A1	A2
Part of speech	adverb	adverb
Collocations	also known as, also includes, can also be	first, secondly, secondly, I want to emphasize, first point, secondly, first stage, secondly, secondly, we should consider
Antonyms	otherwise, differently	firstly, initially, primarily
Common mistakes	Confused with 'too' — both mean similar things but are used differently., 'Also' placed incorrectly in sentences — it generally goes before the main verb.	'Second' used instead of 'secondly' when listing points., 'Then' or 'next' used in formal writing instead of 'secondly'., Using 'secondly' without 'first' in a list.
Usage notes	Use 'also' to add information. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it at the beginning of sentences in very formal writing.	Use 'secondly' when listing points in formal writing or speaking. It’s less common in everyday conversation where 'next' or 'then' might be used.

See it in real clips

Also some of the judges. They've all sent gifts.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

also the pomading.

Sherlock › S1 E1

Guys, we're also looking for a mobile somewhere here, belonged to the victim.

Also some of the judges. They've all sent gifts.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

also the pomading.

Also

The Lord Of The Rings › The Fellowship Of The Ring

GANDALF". "The year 3434 of the Second Age.

Secondly, because the Batman has offered to turn himself in.

The Lord Of The Rings › The Fellowship Of The Ring

GANDALF". "The year 3434 of the Second Age.

Secondly, because the Batman has offered to turn himself in.

Secondly

Frequently asked questions: Also vs Secondly

What's the difference between Also and Secondly?

Also: in addition to something else Secondly: In the second place; the second reason or point.

Which is more formal: Also and Secondly?

Secondly is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Also and Secondly?

Also is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Also and Secondly?

Secondly is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Also and Secondly the same CEFR level?

Also: A1, Secondly: A2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Also and Secondly?

Also: adverb, Secondly: adverb.

Can you show an example of each?

Also: She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian. Secondly: Firstly, it's expensive, and secondly, it's too slow.

Can I use Also and Secondly interchangeably?

Not always. Also and Secondly are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.