How to Use ‘as well’ in a Sentence

The phrase ‘as well’ means also or in addition. You use it to add another item, idea, or action to something already mentioned. For example: “She bought a dress, and she bought shoes as well.” This guide explains exactly where to place ‘as well’ in a sentence, when it sounds natural, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Answer: Where Does ‘as well’ Go?

Place ‘as well’ at the end of a clause or sentence. It usually follows the main idea you are adding. Do not put it at the beginning of a sentence in standard English. Compare these:

• Correct: “I like coffee. I like tea as well.”
• Incorrect: “As well, I like tea.” (This sounds unnatural in everyday English.)

Use ‘as well’ in both formal and informal situations, but it is slightly more common in spoken and written British English. In American English, people often use also or too instead.

Formal vs. Informal Use

You can use ‘as well’ in any context, but the tone changes slightly depending on the sentence.

Formal Writing and Emails

In formal writing, ‘as well’ works well to add information without sounding repetitive. It fits naturally in reports, academic work, and professional emails.

• “The report covers quarterly sales figures. It includes market analysis as well.”
• “Please submit your application by Friday. Attach your resume as well.”

Conversation and Informal Writing

In everyday conversation, ‘as well’ sounds polite and natural. It is less direct than also and can soften an addition.

• “I’m going to the store. Do you need anything as well?”
• “He invited me to the party. His brother is coming as well.”

Comparison: ‘as well’ vs. ‘also’ vs. ‘too’

These three words have the same meaning, but their position in a sentence differs. The table below shows the key differences.

Use ‘as well’ when you want a slightly more polished tone than too but a more natural flow than also in some contexts.

Natural Examples in Context

Here are real-life examples showing how ‘as well’ fits into different situations.

Everyday Conversation

• “I finished my homework. I cleaned my room as well.”
• “We saw the movie. We grabbed dinner as well.”
• “She speaks French. She knows Spanish as well.”

Workplace and Email

• “The meeting is at 3 PM. Please bring the quarterly report as well.”
• “I have attached the invoice. The signed contract is included as well.”
• “Our team handled the project. We managed the client follow-up as well.”

Writing and Study

• “The essay discusses climate change. It covers economic impacts as well.”
• “You need to read chapter five. Review the case study as well.”
• “The author uses symbolism. The theme of loss appears as well.”

Common Mistakes with ‘as well’

Even advanced learners sometimes make errors with this phrase. Here are the 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.”

Beginning a sentence with ‘as well’ is rare in standard English. It can sound like a direct translation from another language. Always place it at the end.

Mistake 2: Using ‘as well as’ incorrectly

Do not confuse ‘as well’ with ‘as well as’. ‘As well as’ is a conjunction that means and in addition to. It connects two nouns or phrases.

• “She bought a dress as well as shoes.” (Here, ‘as well as’ connects ‘dress’ and ‘shoes’.)
• “She bought a dress, and she bought shoes as well.” (Here, ‘as well’ adds the second action.)

If you mean also, use ‘as well’ at the end. If you mean and, use ‘as well as’ between items.

Mistake 3: Repeating ‘as well’ too often

Using ‘as well’ multiple times in one paragraph sounds repetitive. Vary your language with also, too, or in addition.

Repetitive: “I like reading. I like writing as well. I like drawing as well.”
Better: “I like reading. I also enjoy writing. I like drawing as well.”

Mistake 4: Using ‘as well’ with negative sentences

In negative sentences, use either instead of ‘as well’.

Incorrect: “I don’t like coffee as well.”
Correct: “I don’t like coffee either.”

‘As well’ only works in positive or neutral statements.

Better Alternatives: When to Use Something Else

Sometimes ‘as well’ is not the best choice. Here are situations where you should choose a different word.

When you want to emphasize addition

Use in addition or furthermore for formal writing.

• “The company expanded its product line. In addition, it opened two new stores.”
• “The study found no side effects. Furthermore, patients reported improved energy.”

When you want a shorter, casual word

Use too in informal conversation.

• “I’m coming too.” (More natural than “I’m coming as well” in casual speech.)

When you want to connect two ideas smoothly

Use also before the main verb.

• “She also plays guitar.” (More direct than “She plays guitar as well.”)

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Complete each sentence with ‘as well’ or choose the correct option. Answers are below.

1. I finished my report. I proofread it __________.
2. He doesn’t speak French __________. (as well / either)
3. __________, we need to order supplies. (As well / As well as)
4. She invited Tom __________ his sister. (as well / as well as)

Answers

1. as well
2. either
3. As well (Incorrect placement – the correct sentence is “We need to order supplies as well.”)
4. as well as

Note on question 3: The correct answer shows a common mistake. Never start a sentence with ‘as well’ in standard English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ‘as well’ at the start of a sentence?

No, not in standard English. ‘As well’ belongs at the end of a clause. If you want to start a sentence with a similar meaning, use also or in addition.

Is ‘as well’ formal or informal?

It is neutral. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts. It is slightly more common in British English than American English.

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 and in addition to and connects two nouns or phrases.

Can I use ‘as well’ in negative sentences?

No. Use either instead. For example: “I don’t like that movie either.”

Final Tip for Learners

Practice using ‘as well’ by adding it to one sentence each day. Write a simple sentence, then add a second idea with ‘as well’. For example: “I walked the dog. I watered the plants as well.” This habit will help you use the phrase naturally in conversation and writing.

For more sentence patterns, visit our Simple Sentence Examples section. You can also explore Daily English Sentences for everyday practice. If you have questions, check our FAQ page or read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.