As Well As | Synonym, Meaning & Examples

As well as is a common phrase that means “in addition to.” It functions as either a preposition or a conjunction and is used to join two parts of a sentence together. Typically, as well as adds emphasis to the part of the sentence that precedes it. Some synonyms for as well as are “plus,” “besides,” and “along with.”

As well as vs and

Although as well as can sometimes be used instead of and, the two are not completely interchangeable. There are some occasions where it is not possible to replace and with as well as.

First, in a list, for example, you cannot use as well as before the last item but must use and instead. If you want the last item in the list to have less emphasis, you can use “and” before the next-to-last item and set off the last item with commas:

• Nikon, Canon, Sony, as well as Leica are well-known camera brands.
• Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Leica are well-known camera brands.
• Nikon, Canon, and Sony, as well as Leica, are well-known camera brands.

Second, you cannot replace the and in the expression “both … and …” with as well as. You have to use the usual phrasing:

• Both sand as well as water can spell disaster for your lenses.
• Both sand and water can spell disaster for your lenses.

In many other situations, you are free to use either, as long as you remember that using as well as will have the effect of de-emphasizing the item that follows it:

• And connects two parts of a sentence or two items in a list of equal value and weight.
• As well as puts less weight or importance on whatever follows it in comparison with the rest of the sentence.

Subject-verb agreement when using as well as

Getting the subject-verb agreement right can be confusing when using as well as.

When using a compound subject like “sausage and bacon,” then we need the plural form of the verb that follows (e.g., “Sausage and bacon are included in a full English breakfast”). If we want to use as well as, then we need to separate the second noun or pronoun from the first by using a comma, em dash, or parentheses.

This means that the phrase that begins as well as is no longer part of the subject of the verb, so the singular form of the verb is now needed:

Connecting verbs using as well as

When you use as well as to connect two verbs, it can also be confusing, and some people aren’t sure about what form the second verb should take or if it needs a new subject.

If as well as is preceded by a comma (i.e., it is introducing a subordinate clause), then you put the second verb into the present participle (“-ing”) form, and you don’t repeat the subject.

If you are using as well as without a preceding comma (i.e., it doesn’t introduce a new clause), then you use the same form of both verbs. However, it usually means that as well as isn’t the best phrase to use here, and you’d be better off just using and.

• We walk as well as work out every day.
• We walk and work out every day.

If, however, the first verb uses a “to” infinitive, then the second verb should also be an infinitive, but usually without the “to.”

• I want to raise a family as well as have a successful career.

Other meanings of as well as

Although we have looked at the most common meanings of as well as, you will find it in other contexts as well. We have looked at it as an idiom (i.e., the words, taken together, mean something other than their literal meaning), but you will also see it used in more literal ways.

Very similar sentences can have different meanings depending on how as well as is used. You can see the difference between idiomatic and literal uses in the examples given below.

The QuillBot Paraphraser can help you explore alternatives to phrases like “as well as.”

Frequently asked questions about as well as

What is the meaning of mine as well?

Mine as well is a common mistaken version of might as well and should not be used when the meaning is might as well.

Might as well is a phrase that is used to express the idea that a certain course of action will make little difference (e.g., “We might as well take an umbrella”). It can also suggest there is no reason not to do something (e.g., “You might as well call her to see if she’s in”). In these cases “mine as well” would make no sense, and you should use might as well.

There are occasions when mine as well would be the correct choice, where you are saying that something is also true of something to do with you. In this case, mine is the first-person possessive pronoun:

• Jill: My kids are off school this week.
• Jack: Mine as well.

Use the QuillBot Grammar Checker to help you check your vocabulary and spelling.

What does you as well mean?

You as well is an informal phrase that means the same as you too. They are both used to reflect back a greeting or sentiment:

• Katka: Have a great holiday!
• Jan: You as well!

It is a simple phrase combining the second-person pronoun “you” and “as well,” a phrase meaning “too” or “also.”

You as well and you too are only suitable in informal circumstances and not in formal writing.

QuillBot’s rephraser can help you vary your vocabulary to reflect your intended meaning.

What does as well mean?

As well means “too” or “also.” You can use the phrase to add an idea or an item to something you have said before (e.g., “I am tired of politics now as well”).

There are some common English phrases that include as well, such as “might as well,” “as well as,” “you as well,” and “just as well.”

If you want to vary your vocabulary, you can use the QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool.

Is it aswell or as well?

The correct phrase is as well, a two-word phrase that means “also” or “too.” All main dictionaries consider combining the two words into one a mistake.

This is also true when the phrase is part of another phrase (e.g., “might as well,” “you as well,” and “as well as”).

You can check your writing for grammatical accuracy by using the QuillBot Grammar Checker.