If you want to make your writing sound more natural and connected, learning how to use ‘as well’ is a simple but powerful step. This phrase means “also” or “in addition,” and it helps you add information without repeating yourself. In this guide, you will learn exactly when and how to use ‘as well’ in sentences, how it differs from ‘too’ and ‘also,’ and how to avoid common mistakes that even advanced learners make.
Quick Answer: What Does ‘as well’ Mean?
‘As well’ means “in addition” or “also.” You use it to add another idea, action, or person to something you have already mentioned. It is common in both spoken and written English, but it is slightly more formal than ‘too’ and less formal than ‘also’ in some contexts. Place it at the end of a clause or sentence.
Example: She speaks French. She speaks Spanish as well.
How to Use ‘as well’ in Sentences
The most important rule is placement. Unlike ‘also,’ which often goes in the middle of a sentence, ‘as well’ almost always goes at the end. Here are the main patterns:
1. At the End of a Sentence
This is the most common position. It adds a second piece of information to the main idea.
- He enjoys hiking. He enjoys cycling as well.
- We need to buy milk. We need to buy eggs as well.
- The report is due on Friday. The presentation is due on Friday as well.
2. After a Verb or Object
When you have a verb and an object, ‘as well’ comes after the object.
- She invited her friends. She invited her colleagues as well.
- I read the article. I read the comments section as well.
3. In the Middle of a Sentence (Less Common)
In formal writing, you can place ‘as well’ after the subject but before the main verb, especially with the verb ‘to be.’ This is more common in British English.
- He as well is expected to attend the meeting.
- The manager as well has approved the budget.
Note: This pattern can sound stiff. For most writing, keep ‘as well’ at the end.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Understanding tone helps you choose the right word. Here is a quick guide:
| Word/Phrase | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Also | Neutral to formal | She also enjoys painting. |
| Too | Informal, conversational | She enjoys painting too. |
| As well | Neutral to slightly formal | She enjoys painting as well. |
When to use ‘as well’: Use it in emails, reports, essays, and polite conversation. It is safe for both professional and casual writing. Avoid it in very informal text messages or quick chats where ‘too’ feels more natural.
Natural Examples in Different Contexts
In Emails
- Please send the invoice. Attach the receipt as well.
- I have reviewed your proposal. I have shared it with the team as well.
- Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate your suggestions as well.
In Everyday Conversation
- I like coffee. I like tea as well.
- Are you coming to the party? Is your brother coming as well?
- She can sing. She can dance as well.
In Academic or Professional Writing
- The study examined the effects of exercise on mood. It measured cognitive performance as well.
- The company plans to expand into Europe. It is targeting Asian markets as well.
Common Mistakes with ‘as well’
Even advanced learners make these errors. Avoid them to sound more natural.
Mistake 1: Using ‘as well’ at the beginning of a sentence
Incorrect: As well, I need to finish the report.
Correct: I need to finish the report as well.
Why: ‘As well’ does not start a sentence. Use ‘also’ or ‘in addition’ for that position.
Mistake 2: Using ‘as well as’ when you mean ‘as well’
Incorrect: She speaks French as well Spanish.
Correct: She speaks French. She speaks Spanish as well.
Why: ‘As well as’ is a different phrase that means “in addition to” and connects two nouns directly. Example: She speaks French as well as Spanish. (This means she speaks both languages.)
Mistake 3: Repeating ‘also’ and ‘as well’ together
Incorrect: He also likes swimming as well.
Correct: He likes swimming as well. OR He also likes swimming.
Why: Using both is redundant. Choose one.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the comma in certain structures
Incorrect: She is a teacher and a writer as well.
Correct: She is a teacher, and a writer as well.
Why: When ‘as well’ adds a second item after a conjunction, a comma helps clarity, though it is not always required in short sentences.
Better Alternatives to ‘as well’
Sometimes you want variety. Here are alternatives and when to use them:
- Also: Use in the middle of a sentence for a neutral tone. Example: She also enjoys hiking.
- Too: Use at the end of a sentence for informal or conversational tone. Example: She enjoys hiking too.
- In addition: Use at the beginning of a sentence for formal writing. Example: In addition, she enjoys hiking.
- Furthermore: Use in very formal or academic writing to add a strong point. Example: Furthermore, she enjoys hiking.
- Moreover: Similar to ‘furthermore,’ but slightly more emphatic. Example: Moreover, she enjoys hiking.
When to use ‘as well’ vs. alternatives: Stick with ‘as well’ when you want a natural, slightly formal tone without sounding stiff. It fits perfectly in emails, reports, and polite conversation.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with ‘as well’ in the correct position. Answers are below.
- She bought a new dress. She bought shoes __________.
- We visited the museum. We visited the park __________.
- He can fix the car. He can repair the bike __________.
- The manager approved the leave. The director approved it __________.
Answers:
- She bought shoes as well.
- We visited the park as well.
- He can repair the bike as well.
- The director approved it as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘as well’ at the beginning of a sentence?
No, this is not standard. Use ‘also’ or ‘in addition’ at the beginning. ‘As well’ belongs at the end of a clause or sentence.
2. Is ‘as well’ formal or informal?
It is neutral to slightly formal. It works well in most writing and polite conversation. For very informal situations, ‘too’ is more common.
3. What is the difference between ‘as well’ and ‘as well as’?
‘As well’ means “also” and goes at the end of a sentence. ‘As well as’ means “in addition to” and connects two nouns or phrases. Example: He likes apples as well as oranges. (He likes both.)
4. Can I use ‘as well’ in negative sentences?
Yes, but it is less common. Example: She doesn’t like coffee. She doesn’t like tea as well. However, ‘either’ is more natural in negatives: She doesn’t like tea either.
Final Tips for Better Writing
Using ‘as well’ correctly will make your English sound more fluent and connected. Remember these key points:
- Place ‘as well’ at the end of a sentence or clause.
- Do not use it at the beginning of a sentence.
- Avoid combining it with ‘also’ or ‘too.’
- Choose ‘as well’ for neutral to slightly formal writing.
For more help with sentence structure, explore our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions about other common phrases, visit our FAQ page or contact us directly. You can also review our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.
Practice using ‘as well’ in your next email or conversation. With a little attention, it will become a natural part of your English.
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