Is it as well or aswell? The correct spelling is as well, written as two separate words. The one-word form aswell is a spelling mistake when you mean “also,” “too,” or “in addition.”
You might see aswell in text messages, online posts, or informal writing, but it is not the standard spelling used in American English. If you want your writing to look clear and professional, always write as well as two words.
For example:
- Correct: I would like to come as well.
- Incorrect: I would like to come aswell.
The rule is simple, but understanding how to use as well can help you write more naturally. Let’s look at its meaning, sentence structure, and common alternatives.
As Well vs. Aswell: The Quick Answer
| Spelling | Correct? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| As well | Yes | The standard two-word expression meaning “also” or “in addition.” |
| Aswell | No | An incorrect spelling when used to mean “also” or “too.” |
The expression as well is recognized by major dictionaries, including Cambridge Dictionary, which defines it as meaning “also” or “too.”
The space between the two words is important. Although the expression functions as a unit in a sentence, that does not mean the words should be combined.
Here are a few examples:
- Correct: She invited her cousins as well.
- Incorrect: She invited her cousins aswell.
- Correct: We need milk and eggs as well.
- Incorrect: We need milk and eggs aswell.
- Correct: He speaks Spanish as well.
- Incorrect: He speaks Spanish aswell.
In each example, use the two-word spelling regardless of whether the sentence is casual or formal.
What Does As Well Mean?
As well is an expression that means also, too, or in addition. You use it when you want to add another person, thing, activity, or piece of information to something already mentioned.
For example:
1. Adding another person
“Emma is coming to the party, and Daniel is coming as well.”
This means Daniel is also coming to the party.
2. Adding another item
“I bought apples, oranges, and bananas as well.”
The expression indicates that bananas are included in addition to the other items.
3. Adding another activity
“She enjoys reading as well.”
This means reading is another activity she enjoys.
4. Adding information
“The hotel offers free breakfast and free parking as well.”
Here, as well adds free parking to the list of hotel benefits.
In all these examples, the expression connects an additional detail to information already provided. Its spelling remains the same in every case.
How to Use As Well in a Sentence
In everyday English, as well usually appears near the end of a clause or sentence. This placement is especially common when the expression means “also” or “too.”
Consider these examples:
- “I’ll bring some snacks as well.”
- “My brother wants to join us as well.”
- “You can send the documents by email as well.”
- “The new store sells books as well.”
Each sentence adds something to the existing context without changing the main meaning.
Can You Use As Well at the Beginning of a Sentence?
Although as well is commonly used at the end of a clause, it is generally not the most natural choice at the beginning of a sentence when you mean “also.”
For example:
- Less natural: As well, we need to buy some groceries.
- More natural: Also, we need to buy some groceries.
- More natural: In addition, we need to buy some groceries.
Cambridge Grammar notes that as well usually comes at the end of a clause and recommends alternatives such as also or in addition at the beginning.
For clear American English, put as well at the end of the sentence when possible. Choose also or in addition when you want to introduce another point.
As Well as: Is It Also Two or Three Words?
Another expression that sometimes causes confusion is as well as. It is written as three separate words, not as one word or two.
The phrase as well as can mean “in addition to” and is used to connect related people, things, or activities.
For example:
- “She speaks French as well as English.”
- “We need to consider quality as well as price.”
- “He enjoys swimming as well as running.”
- “The company sells notebooks as well as pens.”
Notice the difference between the two expressions:
As well: Adds information, often at the end of a sentence.
- “I’m bringing my laptop as well.”
As well as: Connects items or introduces something additional.
- “I’m bringing my laptop as well as my tablet.”
Both expressions are correct, but they serve slightly different grammatical purposes. Neither should be written as aswell or aswellas.
As Well vs. Also vs. Too
If you want to avoid repeating as well, you can often use also or too. All three expressions can communicate the idea of addition, but their placement in a sentence can differ.
| Expression | Typical use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| As well | Often at the end of a clause | She plays tennis as well. |
| Also | Often before the main verb or after a form of be | She also plays tennis. |
| Too | Often at the end of a clause | She plays tennis too. |
When Should You Use As Well?
Use as well when adding a detail naturally, particularly at the end of a sentence.
Example: “Could you bring a notebook as well?”
This sounds natural in everyday conversation.
When Should You Use Also?
Use also when you want to add information within a sentence or introduce another point.
Example: “She also works as a part-time tutor.”
You can also use also at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a related point.
Example: “Also, remember to submit your application.”
When Should You Use Too?
Use too when you want a short, conversational way to say “also.”
Example: “I’m going to the concert too.”
In many sentences, as well and too are interchangeable. The choice depends on the sentence and your preferred style.
The important point is that none of these alternatives changes the spelling of as well. When you choose that expression, keep it as two words.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the spelling rule is simple, a few common mistakes are worth watching for.
1. Writing Aswell as One Word
This is the main mistake to avoid.
- Incorrect: “I want to participate aswell.”
- Correct: “I want to participate as well.”
Remember that the expression is always written as two words in standard usage when it means “also.”
2. Confusing As Well With As Well As
These expressions are related, but they are not always interchangeable.
- “She enjoys painting as well.”
- “She enjoys painting as well as drawing.”
The first sentence adds painting to something already discussed. The second connects painting with drawing.
Choose the expression that fits your intended meaning.
3. Using As Well When Also Would Be Clearer
Although as well is correct, it may not fit every sentence naturally.
For example:
- Less natural: “As well, I wanted to ask about the meeting.”
- Better: “Also, I wanted to ask about the meeting.”
When introducing a new point, also or in addition is often a clearer choice.
4. Assuming Informal Writing Changes the Rule
You might encounter aswell in a quick message or social media comment. Seeing it online does not make it the standard spelling.
In school assignments, professional emails, articles, and other edited writing, use as well.
A Simple Trick to Remember the Correct Spelling
Here is an easy way to remember the rule: Think of “as” and “well” as two words that work together.
You do not need to combine them just because they express one idea.
Try remembering this sentence:
“I like coffee as well.”
The expression remains separate even when it appears at the end of the sentence. You can apply the same rule to longer phrases:
- as well
- as well as
- might as well
- just as well
These expressions contain separate words. Keeping the words apart will help you avoid the common aswell mistake.
Final Verdict: As Well or Aswell?
The correct spelling is as well, with a space between as and well. Use it when you mean “also,” “too,” or “in addition.”
The spelling aswell is not standard in American English when used with this meaning. If you are writing an email, completing an assignment, publishing an article, or sending a message, choose the two-word form.
Remember the simple rule: Write “as well,” never “aswell,” when you mean “also.”