Common Mistakes When Using ‘as well’ in a Sentence

Many English learners use as well to mean “also” or “too,” but they often place it incorrectly in a sentence, overuse it in formal writing, or confuse it with as well as. The most common mistakes involve putting as well at the beginning of a sentence (where it sounds unnatural), using it in negative statements (where either is correct), and adding it to sentences that already contain also or too. This guide explains exactly how to use as well correctly in everyday conversation, email, and writing.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘as well’ Correctly

As well means “in addition” or “also.” It always comes at the end of a clause or sentence. Use it in positive statements and questions, but never in negative sentences. In negative sentences, use either instead. As well is slightly more formal than too but less formal than also when placed mid-sentence. It works well in both spoken and written English, but avoid using it more than once in the same sentence or paragraph.

Correct Placement of ‘as well’

The most important rule: as well belongs at the end of a sentence or clause. Do not put it at the beginning or in the middle.

Correct Examples

• She speaks French, and she speaks Italian as well.
• I’ll have coffee, and a glass of water as well.
• He enjoys hiking and cycling as well.

Incorrect Placement

• As well, she speaks Italian. (Incorrect – sounds unnatural)
• She as well speaks Italian. (Incorrect – wrong position)
• She speaks as well Italian. (Incorrect – breaks the verb phrase)

When NOT to Use ‘as well’

Never use as well in negative sentences. Use either instead.

‘as well’ vs. ‘as well as’

Many learners confuse these two phrases. As well means “also” and goes at the end. As well as means “in addition to” and connects two nouns or phrases within a sentence.

Common Confusion

• Incorrect: She sings, and she dances as well as. (Should be as well)
• Incorrect: She sings as well dances. (Should be as well as)

Formal vs. Informal Tone

As well sits between too (informal) and also (neutral to formal) in tone. It is appropriate for most situations, but consider your audience.

Email and Conversation Context

In Emails

As well works well in professional emails when you want to sound polite but not overly formal. Place it at the end of a sentence.

• Please review the attached document, and let me know your thoughts as well.
• I have included the budget report, and the project timeline is attached as well.

In Conversation

In spoken English, as well is common and natural. It often adds a polite or inclusive tone.

• A: I really enjoyed the movie. B: I did as well.
• Would you like some dessert as well?

Natural Examples

Here are examples that sound natural in real situations:

1. She bought a new laptop, and she got a new phone as well.
2. We need to finish the report, and we should double-check the numbers as well.
3. He can play the guitar, and he sings as well.
4. I’ll bring snacks, and I’ll bring drinks as well.
5. The hotel has a pool, and it has a gym as well.

Common Mistakes

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.

Mistake 2: Using ‘as well’ in negative sentences

• Incorrect: She didn’t go, and he didn’t go as well.
• Correct: She didn’t go, and he didn’t go either.

Mistake 3: Using ‘as well’ with ‘also’ or ‘too’ in the same sentence

• Incorrect: I also like pizza as well.
• Correct: I like pizza as well. OR I also like pizza.

Mistake 4: Confusing ‘as well’ with ‘as well as’

• Incorrect: She speaks English as well French.
• Correct: She speaks English as well as French.

Better Alternatives

Sometimes as well is not the best choice. Here are alternatives for different situations:

When to Use ‘as well’

Use as well when:

• You want to add information to a positive statement.
• You are writing a neutral or polite email.
• You want to avoid repeating also or too.
• You are speaking in a natural, conversational tone.

Avoid as well when:

• The sentence is negative (use either).
• You have already used also or too in the same sentence.
• You need a very formal tone (use also or in addition).

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.

Question 1

She enjoys reading, and she enjoys writing ____.

A) as well
B) either
C) as well as

Answer: A) as well

Question 2

He doesn’t like spicy food, and he doesn’t like sour food ____.

A) as well
B) either
C) too

Answer: B) either

Question 3

____, we should consider the budget.

A) As well
B) As well as
C) In addition

Answer: C) In addition

Question 4

She speaks Spanish ____ French.

A) as well
B) as well as
C) either

Answer: B) as well as

FAQ

1. Can I start a sentence with ‘as well’?

No. As well should not be used at the beginning of a sentence. If you want to start a sentence with a similar meaning, use In addition or Also.

2. Is ‘as well’ formal or informal?

As well is neutral. It is less formal than also (when placed mid-sentence) but more formal than too. It is appropriate for most emails, conversations, and general writing.

3. Can I use ‘as well’ in a question?

Yes. As well works naturally in questions. For example: “Would you like some coffee as well?” or “Did she attend the meeting as well?”

4. 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 common in casual conversation, while as well sounds a bit more polished. You can use them interchangeably in most positive sentences.

Final Tip

If you are unsure whether to use as well, try replacing it with also. If the sentence still makes sense with also placed at the end, then as well is correct. For negative sentences, always use either. With practice, as well will feel natural and help your English sound more fluent.

For more help with common English usage, visit our Common Usage Mistakes section or read our FAQ for quick answers. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.