It looks simple, doesn’t it? Just three little words: “as well as.” But these three words can silently sabotage your grammar if you’re not careful. While most people use it interchangeably with “and,” the truth is—it follows a different rule entirely. Today, we’ll uncover this hidden rule, correct common mistakes, and give you the confidence to use “as well as” like a native speaker.
- ▪ “As well as” does not make the subject plural.
- ▪ Verb agreement depends on the first noun only.
- ▪ It’s best used for adding non-essential or secondary information.
I remember getting marked down on an essay for writing, “The CEO, as well as the managers, are responsible.” I was confused. The subject was clearly plural—wasn’t it? But no. My professor explained the subtle but crucial rule. Since “as well as the managers” is a parenthetical phrase, it doesn’t affect the verb. That moment changed how I viewed English grammar forever.
📝 READING FLOW: Rule breakdown → Common mistakes → Formal writing examples → Tips & FAQs
What Does “As Well As” Really Mean?
Grammatically, “as well as” functions like a conjunction but is not identical to “and.” It introduces additional information, but that information is often non-essential and does not change the grammatical structure of the main clause. This distinction is critical for subject-verb agreement.
Subject-Verb Agreement Rule
Here’s the rule: when using “as well as,” the verb agrees with the subject that comes before it—not the one that follows.
Correct: The president, as well as his advisors, is attending the meeting.
Incorrect: The president, as well as his advisors, are attending the meeting.
The phrase “as well as his advisors” is treated as extra information, almost like it’s in parentheses.
Common Mistakes You Might Be Making
- Using plural verbs when the primary subject is singular
- Combining it with lists that require “and” instead
- Trying to reverse the structure, e.g. “The advisors, as well as the president…” which causes confusion
How Native Speakers Use “As Well As”
In formal and academic writing, “as well as” is often used to introduce supportive details.
Example: “The report examines economic trends, as well as their social impact.”
Notice how the core sentence is complete even without the second part. This reinforces that the phrase is supplemental, not central.
Do’s and Don’ts
- ✅ Do use it to emphasize a primary subject.
- ❌ Don’t treat it the same as “and” in terms of grammar.
- ✅ Do check verb agreement carefully in long sentences.
- ❌ Don’t assume “as well as” makes the subject compound.
5 Quick Examples
- The teacher, as well as the students, is ready.
- My laptop, as well as my phone, needs charging.
- She, as well as her team, was awarded a prize.
- The dog, as well as the cat, is vaccinated.
- John, as well as his brothers, has arrived.
FAQ – ‘As Well As’ Grammar Clarified
Q. Can “as well as” be used at the start of a sentence?
Yes, but it's rare and usually needs careful structure. Example: “As well as knowledge, experience is vital.”
Q. Is “as well as” formal?
Yes, it is more formal than “and” and is commonly used in academic or professional writing.
Q. Can it be used with plural nouns?
Yes, but the verb still matches the first noun only.
Q. What’s the best synonym?
“In addition to” is often used similarly but can slightly change tone.
Q. Can I use commas around “as well as” phrases?
Yes, especially when the phrase is non-essential to the sentence.
🎯 Ready to Master More Hidden Grammar Rules?
“As well as” is just one of many phrases with hidden grammar twists. Keep exploring and refining your English—because details make all the difference.
[Explore More Grammar Secrets]- ▪ Always revise complex sentences for correct verb agreement.
- ▪ Don’t mix “as well as” with “and” in the same clause unnecessarily.
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