The phrase “as well as” is an English idiom used to connect two related phrases. It implies that the two phrases are equal and can be used interchangeably. For example, if someone were to say “I like apples as well as oranges,” they are saying that they like both apples and oranges equally.
Uses of ‘As Well As’
The phrase “as well as” is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to connect two nouns or noun phrases, such as in the example above. Additionally, it can also be used to connect two verbs or verb phrases. For instance, someone might say “He works hard as well as efficiently.” This phrase implies that the person works both hard and efficiently, not one or the other.
The phrase “as well as” can also be used to add extra information at the end of a sentence. For example, someone might say “I have been feeling tired lately, as well as anxious.” In this case, “as well as anxious” adds extra information about how the person has been feeling recently without having to start another sentence or use a coordinating conjunction such as “and.”
Finally, when discussing multiple items in a list, “as well as” can be used instead of repeating words or phrases over and over again. If someone wanted to give a list of items they like, they could say “I like apples, oranges, pears, and bananas, as well as peaches and cherries.” This phrase implies that there are six items on the list without having to repeat words or phrases multiple times.
Not a Synonym for ‘And’
The phrase “as well as” is often misused in writing, leading to confusion and misunderstanding. This phrase has a very specific use in the English language, and it is not interchangeable with the word “and”. To understand why this phrase is not a synonym for “and”, it is important to consider its definition and uses.
Examples of Misuse
One common misuse of the phrase “as well as” occurs when writers attempt to use it to link two independent clauses. For example, consider the sentence: “I went to the store, as well as my friend.” In this sentence, the writer has attempted to link two independent clauses with the phrase “as well as”. However, because this phrase does not work to join two independent clauses together, this sentence is incorrect. The correct way to write this sentence would be: “I went to the store and my friend did too.”
Another mistake that writers make when using the phrase “as well as” occurs when they attempt to use it in place of words like “also” or “too”. For example, consider the sentence: “I went to the store as well as my friend also.” In this sentence, the writer has used both the phrase “as well as” and the word “also” which is unnecessary and incorrect usage of both words. The correct way to write this sentence would be: “I went to the store and my friend did too.”
Consequences of Misusing ‘As Well As’
When writers misuse phrases like “as well as” by attempting to use them in place of other words or phrases, their sentences can become confusing and difficult for readers to understand. Furthermore, using incorrect grammar can lead readers to question a writer’s credibility and authority on a given subject matter. Thus, it is important for writers to understand how and when they should use phrases such as “as well as” correctly in order for their writing to be clear and effective.
In addition, misusing phrases like “as well as” can lead readers astray from what a writer is trying to communicate in their writing or speech. By using incorrect grammar or phrasing, writers can unintentionally change the meaning of their sentences or create confusion about what they are trying to say. Thus, understanding how and when phrases such as “as well as” should be used correctly is essential for any writer who wishes their writing to be clear and effective.
Does Not Make Subjects Plural
The phrase “as well as” is a useful tool for connecting two ideas, but it does not make the subject of the sentence plural. The phrase is best understood when used in context, so let’s look at some examples.
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
When using “as well as” to connect two subjects, the verb must agree with the first subject. Consider this example: “My brother as well as my sister likes ice cream.” Here, the verb “likes” agrees with the singular noun “brother.” The same rule applies in a negative sentence: “My brother as well as my sister does not like ice cream.” The verb “does not like” still agrees with the singular noun “brother.”
In some cases, both subjects are plural and the verb remains unchanged. For example, if we say “My brothers as well as my sisters like ice cream,” then the verb “like” agrees with both plural nouns. However, if only one of the subjects is plural, then the verb must agree with that subject: “My brother as well as my sisters like ice cream.” Here, because only one of the subjects is plural (the word “sisters”), then the verb “like” agrees with it and not with “brother.”
Special Emphasis on First Subject
When using “as well as,” it is important to remember that special emphasis should be placed on the first subject of any sentence. This means that if one subject is singular and another is plural, then you should use a singular verb regardless of which subject appears first in a sentence. For example: “My siblings as well as my cousin likes ice cream.” Even though “cousin” appears first in this sentence, because it is singular and “siblings” is plural, then you would still use a singular verb (“likes”) to agree with “cousin.”
It’s also important to note that when using “as well as,” there can be no confusion about which subject comes first; otherwise your sentence will be grammatically incorrect. For instance, if we wrote “My siblings and my cousin as well likes ice cream,” this would be incorrect because it’s unclear whether or not “cousin” or “siblings” comes first in this sentence.
Overall, understanding how to use the phrase “as well as” correctly can help you write more accurate sentences that follow proper grammar rules. Although it may seem confusing at first glance, once you understand how to apply these rules you will find that they are quite simple and straightforward.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points
The phrase “as well as” is a useful addition to many sentences, but it is important to understand the proper use of this phrase. It cannot be used as a synonym for “and”, and using it in this way can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Additionally, when using “as well as” in a sentence with two subjects, the verb must agree with the first subject. This is an important concept to remember, as it helps ensure that subjects are treated equally and fairly.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, while “as well as” can be a useful phrase in many situations, it is important to understand its nuances and uses. Misusing “as well as” can lead to confusion or even worse consequences. As such, it is essential that one pays attention to the context of the sentence when using “as well as” and ensures that they are using it correctly.
