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 how to place ‘as well’ in a sentence, when it fits formal or casual writing, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that even advanced learners make.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘as well’
Use ‘as well’ at the end of a sentence to mean “also.” It adds one more piece of information to what you have already said. For example: “She speaks French. She speaks German as well.” You can also use it after a verb or an object, but the most natural position for everyday English is at the end of the sentence. In formal writing, you may see it placed after the subject, but the end position is always correct and clear.
Where to Place ‘as well’ in a Sentence
The position of ‘as well’ changes the tone and clarity of your sentence. Here are the three main positions with examples.
1. At the End of the Sentence (Most Common)
This is the safest and most natural position for both writing and conversation. It works in emails, stories, and daily speech.
- I finished my report. I checked the numbers as well.
- He enjoys hiking. He likes camping as well.
- We need to buy milk. We need eggs as well.
2. After the Subject (More Formal)
In formal writing, such as business reports or academic essays, you can place ‘as well’ right after the subject. This sounds more structured.
- The manager as well approved the budget.
- Our team as well contributed to the project.
3. After a Verb or Object (Less Common)
You may see this in older or very formal texts. It is not recommended for everyday use because it can sound stiff.
- She completed the task as well the assignment.
Formal vs. Informal Tone with ‘as well’
The phrase ‘as well’ is neutral, but its placement can change the tone. Here is a quick comparison.
| Context | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Casual conversation | “I’ll bring snacks as well.” | Informal, friendly |
| Work email | “Please include the summary as well.” | Neutral, professional |
| Academic writing | “The study examined the effects on adults as well.” | Formal, correct |
| Creative writing | “The wind howled. The rain fell as well.” | Descriptive, natural |
In emails, ‘as well’ is a good choice when you want to sound polite but not too casual. For example, “I have attached the invoice as well” is clearer than “I have also attached the invoice” because it places the extra information at the end where readers expect it.
Natural Examples of ‘as well’ in Sentences
Here are real-life sentences that show how ‘as well’ fits into different situations.
- I called the client. I sent a follow-up email as well.
- She enjoys reading novels. She writes short stories as well.
- We visited the museum. We walked through the park as well.
- He fixed the printer. He updated the software as well.
- The recipe calls for sugar. You need butter as well.
Notice that each pair of sentences uses ‘as well’ to add the second piece of information. You do not need to repeat the verb or subject. The listener or reader already knows the context from the first sentence.
Common Mistakes with ‘as well’
Even advanced learners make these errors. Here are the three most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using ‘as well’ at the beginning of a sentence
Incorrect: “As well, I need to buy milk.”
Correct: “I need to buy milk as well.”
‘As well’ does not start a sentence in standard English. Use “Also” or “In addition” at the beginning instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing ‘as well’ with ‘as well as’
Incorrect: “She sings as well dances.”
Correct: “She sings as well as dances.”
‘As well as’ is a conjunction that connects two equal items. ‘As well’ is an adverb that means “also.” They are not interchangeable.
Mistake 3: Using ‘as well’ too many times in one paragraph
Overuse makes your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with “also,” “too,” or “in addition.” For example:
- First sentence: “He speaks Spanish as well.”
- Second sentence: “He also knows French.”
- Third sentence: “He is learning Italian too.”
Better Alternatives to ‘as well’
Sometimes you need a different word or phrase to match the tone or avoid repetition. Here are the best alternatives.
| Phrase | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Also | At the beginning or middle of a sentence; neutral tone | “Also, please bring the documents.” |
| Too | At the end of a sentence; informal or neutral | “I want to come too.” |
| In addition | At the beginning of a sentence; formal writing | “In addition, the report includes graphs.” |
| Furthermore | At the beginning of a sentence; very formal | “Furthermore, the data supports this claim.” |
Choose ‘as well’ when you want a simple, natural way to add information without changing the sentence structure. Use “also” when you need to start a sentence. Use “too” in casual conversation. Use “in addition” or “furthermore” in formal essays or business reports.
When to Use ‘as well’ in Writing
Use ‘as well’ in these situations for the best effect.
- In emails: To add a polite extra request or piece of information. Example: “I have reviewed the contract as well.”
- In stories: To build a list of actions or details. Example: “She packed her bag. She grabbed her keys as well.”
- In instructions: To remind the reader of an additional step. Example: “Save the file. Print a copy as well.”
- In everyday conversation: To agree or add your own point. Example: “I liked the movie. The soundtrack was great as well.”
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct use of ‘as well’ or choose the best alternative. Answers are below.
- She bought a dress. She bought shoes ____.
- ____, we need to confirm the reservation.
- He speaks English ____ French.
- I will attend the meeting ____.
Answers
- as well (or “too”)
- Also (or “In addition”) – “As well” cannot start a sentence.
- as well as – This is the conjunction form.
- as well (or “too”)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ‘as well’ at the beginning of a sentence?
No. In standard English, ‘as well’ does not appear at the beginning of a sentence. Use “Also” or “In addition” instead.
What is the difference between ‘as well’ and ‘too’?
They mean the same thing and both go at the end of a sentence. ‘Too’ is slightly more informal and common in speech. ‘As well’ is a little more formal and common in writing.
Is ‘as well’ formal or informal?
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but it is most natural in writing and polite conversation. For very formal writing, “in addition” or “furthermore” may be better.
Can I use ‘as well’ in negative sentences?
Yes, but it is less common. For example: “I don’t like coffee. I don’t like tea as well.” However, many native speakers prefer “either” in negative sentences: “I don’t like tea either.”
Final Tip for Better Writing
Using ‘as well’ correctly makes your writing flow more smoothly and sound more natural. Remember to place it at the end of the sentence for everyday use, avoid starting sentences with it, and do not confuse it with ‘as well as.’ Practice with the examples above, and soon you will use ‘as well’ without thinking. For more help with sentence structure, explore our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us directly. You can also review our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.
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