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, use it in the wrong tone, or confuse it with other similar phrases. The most common mistakes include putting “as well” at the beginning of a sentence (which is almost always wrong in standard English), using it in negative sentences (where “either” is correct), and overusing it in formal writing when a simpler word like “also” would be more appropriate. This guide will help you avoid these errors and use “as well” naturally and correctly in business and everyday English.

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. Do not use it at the beginning of a sentence. Use it in positive sentences and questions, but never in negative sentences (use “either” instead). In formal business writing, “as well” is acceptable but can sound slightly informal; “also” or “in addition” are often better choices.

Where to Place ‘as well’ in a Sentence

The most frequent mistake is putting “as well” in the wrong position. Unlike “also,” which can go before the main verb or at the beginning of a sentence, “as well” must go at the end of the clause.

Correct Placement

• She handles customer complaints as well.
• We need to update the budget as well.
• He speaks French and Spanish as well.

Incorrect Placement

• As well, she handles customer complaints. (Wrong – use “Also” or “In addition”)
• She as well handles customer complaints. (Wrong – sounds unnatural)
• We need as well to update the budget. (Wrong – misplaced)

When NOT to Use ‘as well’

Many learners mistakenly use “as well” in negative sentences. This is a critical error. In negative contexts, you must use “either” instead.

Formal vs. Informal Tone

In business writing, tone matters. “As well” is perfectly correct, but it can feel slightly informal or conversational. In emails, reports, or presentations, consider these alternatives:

• Informal / Conversation: “I’ll send the report as well.”
• Formal / Business Email: “I will also send the report.” or “In addition, I will send the report.”
• Neutral / Standard: “I’ll send the report too.” (similar to “as well”)

If you are writing a formal proposal or a client-facing email, using “as well” too many times can make your writing sound repetitive or less polished. Vary your language with “also,” “in addition,” “furthermore,” or “moreover.”

Natural Examples in Business Contexts

Here are natural sentences using “as well” in common business situations:

• Email to a colleague: “Please add the quarterly figures to the report as well.”
• Meeting conversation: “We should discuss the marketing plan as well.”
• Client communication: “We can provide training for your team as well.”
• Internal note: “The new software will improve productivity as well.”
• Question in a meeting: “Will you be covering the budget as well?”

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Starting a Sentence with ‘as well’

Incorrect: As well, we need to consider the deadline.
Correct: We need to consider the deadline as well.
Better alternative: Also, we need to consider the deadline. / In addition, we need to consider the deadline.

Mistake 2: Using ‘as well’ in Negative Sentences

Incorrect: I didn’t receive the email as well.
Correct: I didn’t receive the email either.

Mistake 3: Overusing ‘as well’ in Formal Writing

Awkward: The proposal includes a new timeline as well. It covers the budget as well. It addresses staffing as well.
Improved: The proposal includes a new timeline. It also covers the budget and addresses staffing.

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

“As well as” is a conjunction that means “and in addition.” It is different from “as well.”

• As well as: “She manages the team as well as handling client accounts.” (means she does both)
• As well: “She manages the team. She handles client accounts as well.” (means also)

Do not use “as well” when you mean “as well as.”

Better Alternatives to ‘as well’

Depending on the context, you can replace “as well” with more precise or formal words:

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. I need to finish the report. I need to prepare the presentation _____.
   a) as well
   b) either
   c) as well as
2. She didn’t attend the training session _____.
   a) as well
   b) either
   c) too
3. _____, we should update the company website.
   a) As well
   b) Also
   c) Either
4. The new policy affects the sales team _____ the marketing team.
   a) as well
   b) as well as
   c) either

Answers

1. a) as well – Positive sentence, meaning “also.”
2. b) either – Negative sentence, must use “either.”
3. b) Also – “As well” cannot start a sentence; “Also” is correct here.
4. b) as well as – This is a conjunction meaning “and also.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ‘as well’ at the beginning of a sentence?

No. In standard English, “as well” should never begin a sentence. If you want to start a sentence with a similar meaning, use “Also,” “In addition,” or “Furthermore.”

2. Is ‘as well’ formal or informal?

“As well” is neutral but leans slightly informal. It is common in spoken English and everyday emails. In very formal writing (reports, academic papers, official documents), “also” or “in addition” are preferred.

3. What is the difference between ‘as well’ and ‘too’?

They are almost identical in meaning and both go at the end of a sentence. “Too” is slightly more common in casual conversation, while “as well” can sound a bit more careful or polite. For example: “I’ll come too” (casual) vs. “I’ll come as well” (slightly more formal).

4. Can I use ‘as well’ in questions?

Yes, but only in positive questions. For example: “Did you see the email as well?” is correct. For negative questions, use “either”: “Didn’t you see the email either?”

Final Tips for Using ‘as well’

• Always place “as well” at the end of the clause.
• Never use it in negative sentences – use “either.”
• In formal writing, use “also” or “in addition” instead.
• Do not confuse “as well” (adverb phrase) with “as well as” (conjunction).
• Vary your language to avoid repetition in longer texts.

By following these simple rules, you can use “as well” correctly and confidently in any business or everyday situation.

For more help with common English usage, visit our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also explore Simple Sentence Examples and Daily English Sentences for additional practice. If you have questions, check our FAQ page or contact us.