Common Mistakes When Using ‘as well’ in a Sentence
The most common mistake with “as well” is using it in the wrong place or confusing it with “as well as.” “As well” means “also” or “too,” and it usually goes at the end of a clause. Many learners put it in the middle of a sentence or use it where a different phrase would be clearer. This guide explains the correct placement, common errors, and how to sound natural in both writing and conversation.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘as well’ Correctly
Place “as well” at the end of a sentence or clause. Do not put it directly before a verb or noun. Use it to add information that is similar to what you just said. For example: “I like coffee. I like tea as well.” Do not write “I as well like tea” in standard English. In formal writing, “as well” is less common than “also,” but it is fine in everyday conversation and informal emails.
What ‘as well’ Actually Means
“As well” is an adverb phrase that means “in addition” or “too.” It adds an extra item or idea to a previous statement. The tone is neutral to informal, so it works well in spoken English and casual writing. In very formal documents, “also” or “in addition” may be preferred. However, “as well” is not wrong in formal contexts if used sparingly.
Formal vs. Informal Use
- Informal conversation: “I’m going to the store. Do you need anything as well?”
- Formal email: “Please include the report. Also attach the summary.” (Here, “as well” would sound slightly casual.)
- Neutral writing: “She speaks French. She speaks German as well.” (Acceptable in most contexts.)
Comparison Table: ‘as well’ vs. ‘also’ vs. ‘too’
| Phrase | Position in Sentence | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| as well | End of clause | Neutral to informal | He bought a book. He bought a pen as well. |
| also | Before main verb or after be verb | Neutral to formal | He also bought a pen. |
| too | End of clause | Informal | He bought a pen too. |
Natural Examples of ‘as well’
Read these sentences aloud. Notice where “as well” appears.
- “I finished my homework. I cleaned my room as well.”
- “She can drive a car. She can ride a motorcycle as well.”
- “We visited the museum. We saw the park as well.”
- “He speaks Spanish. He understands Portuguese as well.”
- “Please bring your notebook. Bring your textbook as well.”
Common Mistakes with ‘as well’
Mistake 1: Placing ‘as well’ in the middle of a sentence
Incorrect: “I as well enjoy hiking.”
Correct: “I enjoy hiking as well.”
Explanation: “As well” does not go before the verb. Only “also” can go there. If you want to use “as well,” move it to the end.
Mistake 2: Using ‘as well’ with a negative verb
Incorrect: “I don’t like that movie as well.”
Correct: “I don’t like that movie either.”
Explanation: In negative sentences, use “either” instead of “as well” or “too.” “As well” only works with positive statements.
Mistake 3: Confusing ‘as well’ with ‘as well as’
Incorrect: “She sings as well dances.”
Correct: “She sings as well as dances.” or “She sings. She dances as well.”
Explanation: “As well as” is a conjunction that connects two items. “As well” is an adverb that stands alone at the end of a clause. Do not combine them.
Mistake 4: Using ‘as well’ too many times in one paragraph
Incorrect: “I like apples. I like oranges as well. I like bananas as well. I like grapes as well.”
Better: “I like apples. I also like oranges, bananas, and grapes.”
Explanation: Repeating “as well” sounds unnatural. Vary your language with “also,” “too,” or “in addition.”
Better Alternatives to ‘as well’
Depending on your sentence, you can replace “as well” with these phrases:
- Also: Use before the main verb for a more formal tone. Example: “She also plays guitar.”
- Too: Use at the end of a sentence for casual speech. Example: “I want to come too.”
- In addition: Use at the start of a sentence for formal writing. Example: “In addition, we need more time.”
- Furthermore: Use in academic or professional writing. Example: “Furthermore, the data supports this idea.”
When to Use ‘as well’
Use “as well” when you want to add a second idea that is similar to the first, and you want a natural, conversational tone. It is perfect for:
- Everyday conversation with friends or colleagues.
- Informal emails to people you know well.
- Personal writing like journal entries or social media posts.
- Adding a final point in a list without sounding stiff.
Context Matters: Email vs. Conversation
In a work email, “as well” can sound friendly but not too casual. For example:
“Thank you for your update. Please send the budget report as well.”
This is fine for a colleague you work with regularly. For a client or boss, you might write:
“Thank you for your update. Please also send the budget report.”
In conversation, “as well” is very common and natural. You might hear:
“I’m ordering pizza. Do you want a drink as well?”
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase. Answers are below.
- I can swim. I can dive ______. (as well / either)
- She doesn’t like cold weather. I don’t like it ______. (as well / either)
- He studies math. He studies science ______. (as well as / as well)
- We need to buy milk. We need to buy bread ______. (as well / also)
Answers
- as well (positive sentence)
- either (negative sentence)
- as well (at the end of the clause)
- as well or also (both are correct; “as well” is more conversational)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start a sentence with “as well”?
No. “As well” should never start a sentence. If you want to begin a sentence with a similar meaning, use “also” or “in addition.” For example: “Also, we need to check the time.”
2. Is “as well” formal or informal?
It is neutral to informal. It is common in everyday speech and casual writing. In very formal documents, “also” or “in addition” are better choices.
3. What is the difference between “as well” and “as well as”?
“As well” means “also” and goes at the end of a clause. “As well as” means “and also” and connects two nouns or verbs. Example: “He likes apples as well as oranges.” (Here, “as well as” joins two items.)
4. Can I use “as well” in negative sentences?
No. Use “either” instead. For example: “I don’t like that movie either.” Never say “I don’t like that movie as well.”
Final Tip for Learners
To master “as well,” practice placing it only at the end of positive sentences. If you are unsure, replace it with “also” before the verb. Over time, the correct position will feel natural. For more help with common usage mistakes, visit our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also explore Simple Sentence Examples and Daily English Sentences for additional practice. If you have questions, check our FAQ page or contact us directly.
