How to Use ‘as well’ in a Sentence
You use as well to mean also or in addition. It is a common phrase in both spoken and written English, and it usually appears at the end of a sentence or clause. For example: She bought a new laptop and a printer as well. This guide explains exactly how to place as well in a sentence, when it sounds natural, and how to avoid the most frequent mistakes.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘as well’
As well means also or too. Place it at the end of a sentence or clause. Do not use it before a noun. Do not write as well as when you mean also — that is a different structure.
- Correct: I like coffee. I like tea as well.
- Incorrect: I like as well coffee.
- Incorrect: I like coffee as well as. (This is incomplete.)
Where to Place ‘as well’ in a Sentence
The most natural position for as well is at the end of a sentence. It can also appear at the end of a clause within a longer sentence.
End of a sentence
This is the standard position in both formal and informal English.
- We need to finish the report. We need to prepare the presentation as well.
- He speaks French. He speaks German as well.
End of a clause
When you have a longer sentence, as well can go at the end of the second clause.
- She manages the team, and she handles client accounts as well.
- I can attend the meeting on Monday, and I can join the call on Tuesday as well.
In the middle of a sentence (rare)
In very formal or literary writing, you might see as well placed after the subject, but this is uncommon in everyday business English. Stick to the end position for clarity.
- Formal/Literary: He as well was invited to the ceremony. (Rare)
- Natural: He was invited to the ceremony as well.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
| Context | Example with ‘as well’ | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Informal conversation | I’ll bring snacks. I’ll bring drinks as well. | Natural, friendly |
| Business email | Please review the contract. Please check the terms as well. | Polite, professional |
| Formal report | The company expanded into Europe. It entered the Asian market as well. | Appropriate |
| Very formal writing | The proposal was rejected. The alternative was considered as well. | Acceptable but less common |
In emails and everyday business writing, as well is perfectly fine. For very formal documents, you might prefer also or in addition.
Natural Examples in Business Contexts
These examples show how as well sounds natural in real business situations.
Emails
- I have attached the invoice. I have included the receipt as well.
- Please confirm your attendance. Let me know if you need hotel information as well.
- The deadline is Friday. The budget approval is due that day as well.
Meetings and conversations
- We need to update the website. We should refresh the blog as well.
- Maria will lead the training. She will handle the Q&A session as well.
- I agree with the new policy. I think the team will support it as well.
Writing and reports
- Sales increased by 15% in Q3. Customer satisfaction improved as well.
- The software upgrade reduced errors. It saved time as well.
Common Mistakes with ‘as well’
Mistake 1: Placing ‘as well’ before a verb
Incorrect: I as well like the new design.
Correct: I like the new design as well.
When you want to say also, put as well at the end. If you want to use also, place it before the verb: I also like the new design.
Mistake 2: Using ‘as well as’ when you mean ‘also’
As well as is a different phrase. It means in addition to and connects two nouns or phrases. It does not mean also.
- Correct: She speaks French as well as German. (She speaks both.)
- Incorrect: She speaks French. She speaks German as well as. (This is incomplete.)
- Correct: She speaks French. She speaks German as well.
Mistake 3: Using ‘as well’ with a negative
In negative sentences, use either instead of as well.
- Incorrect: I don’t like the new policy. I don’t like the old one as well.
- Correct: I don’t like the new policy. I don’t like the old one either.
Mistake 4: Overusing ‘as well’ in one paragraph
Using as well too often sounds repetitive. Vary your language with also, too, or in addition.
- Repetitive: We need to hire a designer. We need a copywriter as well. We need a project manager as well. We need a developer as well.
- Better: We need to hire a designer. We also need a copywriter. In addition, we need a project manager and a developer.
Better Alternatives to ‘as well’
Depending on your context, you can replace as well with these words or phrases.
| Word/Phrase | Example | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| also | She also attended the meeting. | Before a verb; more formal |
| too | She attended the meeting too. | End of sentence; informal |
| in addition | In addition, she attended the meeting. | Start of sentence; formal |
| furthermore | Furthermore, she attended the meeting. | Formal writing; adds emphasis |
| as well as | She attended the meeting as well as the workshop. | Connects two items; different structure |
When to use ‘as well’ vs. ‘also’ vs. ‘too’
- As well: End of sentence. Neutral tone. Good for business emails and conversation.
- Also: Before the main verb. Slightly more formal. Good for reports and formal writing.
- Too: End of sentence. Informal. Good for casual conversation and internal messages.
Mini Practice: 4 Questions with Answers
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option or rewrite the sentence.
Question 1: Which sentence is correct?
A) I need to finish the budget. I need to review the expenses as well.
B) I need to finish the budget. I need to as well review the expenses.
Answer: A. As well goes at the end of the sentence.
Question 2: Correct this sentence: He doesn’t like the new software. He doesn’t like the old one as well.
Answer: Change as well to either: He doesn’t like the new software. He doesn’t like the old one either.
Question 3: Rewrite this sentence using as well: She also manages the social media accounts.
Answer: She manages the social media accounts as well.
Question 4: Is this sentence correct? We need to hire a developer as well as.
Answer: No. As well as needs a noun after it. Correct: We need to hire a developer as well as a designer. Or: We need to hire a developer. We need a designer as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start a sentence with ‘as well’?
No. As well does not start a sentence. If you want to begin a sentence with a similar meaning, use also or in addition. Example: In addition, we need to update the website.
2. Is ‘as well’ formal or informal?
As well is neutral. It works in both formal and informal contexts. For very formal writing, also or in addition may be slightly more appropriate.
3. 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 in addition to and connects two nouns or phrases. Example: She writes reports as well as emails. (She writes both.)
4. Can I use ‘as well’ in negative sentences?
No. Use either instead. Example: I don’t have time. I don’t have the budget either.
Final Tip for Using ‘as well’
When you write a business email or a sentence in a report, read it aloud. If as well sounds natural at the end, keep it. If you have used it twice in the same paragraph, switch to also or too. This small habit will make your writing clearer and more professional.
For more help with sentence structure, visit our Simple Sentence Examples section. You can also check our Common Usage Mistakes category for other tricky phrases. If you have questions, see our FAQ page or contact us.