word usage - How do I use "also" in a sentence?

Which of the following sentences are grammatically correct in written text?

1. You also are allowed to see your son.


2. You are also allowed to see your son.


3. Also, you are allowed to see your son.


4. You are allowed to see your son also.

Answer

All are grammatically correct, but can have slightly different meanings.

You also are allowed to see your son.

This could mean that in addition to other things that you are allowed to do, you are allowed to see your son. Depending on context, it could mean that in addition to others being allowed, you are too. E.g. "Your son's wife is allowed to see him. You also are allowed to see him."

You are also allowed to see your son.

Pretty much the same as the previous. We would be less likely to use this form to say #2 above, i.e. that you are allowed along with others who are allowed. This would more likely mean #1, in addition to other things, you are also allowed, etc.

Also, you are allowed to see your son.

In addition to other things, you are allowed to see your son. This differs from the first two in that it can be used when the other things are not permissions, while the first two would generally be used only to discuss several different permissions. That is, for example:

You are allowed to have a lawyer present during questioning. You are also allowed to see your son.

Versus:

Your deposit will be refunded. Also, you are now allowed to see your son.

Finally,

You are allowed to see your son also.

This one is most different. It would normally be used if there are specifically others that you are allowed to see, and your son is one of those. Like, "You are allowed to see your daughter. You are allowed to see your son also." You wouldn't use this form with other permissions or with other things that are not permissions.

But note that if you put a comma between "son" and "also", then it becomes the same as "Also, you are ..."