Many English learners use as well to mean “also” or “too,” but they often place it in the wrong position, use it in the wrong context, or confuse it with other phrases. The most common mistakes include putting as well at the beginning of a sentence, using it in negative statements, and mixing it up with as well as. This guide explains each mistake with clear examples and shows you how to use as well correctly in everyday writing and conversation.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘as well’ Correctly
Use as well at the end of a sentence or clause to mean “also” or “in addition.” It works best in positive statements and neutral to informal contexts. Do not use it at the beginning of a sentence, in negative sentences, or in very formal writing. For negative sentences, use either instead. For formal writing, also or in addition is usually better.
Mistake 1: Placing ‘as well’ at the Beginning of a Sentence
Many learners write sentences like “As well, I like coffee.” This is incorrect in standard English. As well is an adverbial phrase that belongs at the end of a clause or sentence. It does not work as a sentence starter.
Incorrect
- As well, she enjoys reading.
- As well, we need to buy milk.
Correct
- She enjoys reading as well.
- We need to buy milk as well.
Why it matters: Starting a sentence with as well sounds unnatural to native speakers and can confuse the reader. If you want to begin a sentence with a similar meaning, use also or in addition.
Mistake 2: Using ‘as well’ in Negative Sentences
Another common error is writing “I don’t like that movie as well.” In negative sentences, you must use either instead of as well.
Incorrect
- He didn’t attend the meeting as well.
- She hasn’t finished the report as well.
Correct
- He didn’t attend the meeting either.
- She hasn’t finished the report either.
Why it matters: As well is only used in positive or affirmative contexts. Using it in a negative sentence changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Mistake 3: Confusing ‘as well’ with ‘as well as’
As well and as well as look similar but work differently. As well means “also” and goes at the end of a sentence. As well as is a conjunction that means “and in addition” and is used to connect two nouns, verbs, or phrases.
Incorrect
- She bought apples as well oranges. (Should use as well as)
- He speaks French, and Spanish as well as. (Should use as well)
Correct
- She bought apples as well as oranges.
- He speaks French, and Spanish as well.
Why it matters: Mixing these two can make your sentence unclear. Use as well as to join two items, and as well to add a final point.
Comparison Table: ‘as well’ vs. ‘also’ vs. ‘too’ vs. ‘either’
| Word/Phrase | Position in Sentence | Use in Positive Sentences | Use in Negative Sentences | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| as well | End of sentence | Yes | No | Neutral to informal |
| also | Before the main verb or at the start | Yes | Yes (with care) | Neutral to formal |
| too | End of sentence | Yes | No | Informal |
| either | End of sentence | No | Yes | Neutral |
Natural Examples of ‘as well’ in Context
Here are examples that show how native speakers use as well in everyday conversation, emails, and writing.
Conversation
- “I’m going to the store. Do you need anything as well?”
- “She invited Tom, and she invited me as well.”
- “We had pizza for dinner, and we ordered dessert as well.”
Email (Neutral Tone)
- “Please review the attached document. I have included the budget report as well.”
- “Thank you for your feedback. I will share it with the team as well.”
Writing (Informal to Neutral)
- “The movie was entertaining, and the soundtrack was enjoyable as well.”
- “He enjoys hiking, cycling, and swimming as well.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t start a sentence with “as well.” Use “also” or “in addition” instead.
- Don’t use “as well” in negative sentences. Use “either” instead.
- Don’t confuse “as well” with “as well as.” Remember: “as well” ends a sentence; “as well as” connects two parts.
- Don’t overuse “as well” in formal writing. In business or academic writing, “also” or “furthermore” is often more appropriate.
Better Alternatives for Different Contexts
Depending on your tone and audience, you may want to choose a different word or phrase.
Formal Writing (Reports, Academic Papers, Business Letters)
- Use also or in addition.
- Example: “The study examined patient outcomes. It also considered cost factors.”
Informal Conversation or Text Messages
- Use too or as well.
- Example: “I’m coming too.” or “I’m coming as well.”
Negative Statements
- Always use either.
- Example: “I don’t like that song either.”
When to Use ‘as well’
Use as well when you want to add a second piece of information in a positive sentence. It is best for:
- Everyday conversation
- Informal emails to colleagues or friends
- Personal writing like journal entries or social media posts
- Adding a final item in a list
Avoid it in formal academic papers, legal documents, or very professional business reports.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase: as well, also, too, or either.
- She speaks Spanish, and she speaks French ______.
- I didn’t enjoy the movie, and my friend didn’t enjoy it ______.
- He can join the meeting, and he can present the report ______.
- We haven’t finished the project, and they haven’t finished it ______.
Answers
- as well (or too)
- either
- as well (or also)
- either
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “as well” at the beginning of a sentence?
No. In standard English, as well should not start a sentence. Use also or in addition if you need a sentence opener.
2. Is “as well” formal or informal?
As well is neutral to informal. It is common in everyday speech and casual writing but less common in very formal contexts.
3. What is the difference between “as well” and “too”?
Both mean the same thing and are used at the end of a sentence. Too is slightly more informal, but they are often interchangeable.
4. Can I use “as well” in a question?
Yes, you can use as well in questions. For example: “Would you like some coffee as well?” or “Did she call you as well?”
Final Tips for Using ‘as well’ Correctly
- Always place as well at the end of the sentence or clause.
- Only use it in positive statements.
- Do not confuse it with as well as.
- In formal writing, choose also or in addition.
- In negative sentences, always use either.
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 more practice. If you have questions, check our FAQ or contact us.
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