As well as

Definition

The phrase 'as well as' is a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses, indicating an addition or inclusion of similar items or ideas. It often implies that the second element is equally important or relevant to the first, providing emphasis on both parts of the connection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'As well as' can be used to join singular nouns and plural nouns, but it’s crucial to remember that the verb must agree with the main subject when determining if it’s singular or plural.
2. In sentences using 'as well as,' the first noun typically takes precedence for the subject-verb agreement, even if a plural noun follows the phrase.
3. This phrase often appears in more formal writing and can elevate the tone of the sentence while maintaining clarity.
4. 'As well as' can be replaced by 'and,' but this may alter the emphasis; 'as well as' often highlights that both elements are significant.
5. When used in lists, 'as well as' can clarify relationships between items, emphasizing inclusivity without redundancy.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'as well as' affect subject-verb agreement in sentences?
  • 'As well as' influences subject-verb agreement by ensuring that the verb aligns with the main subject before this phrase. For example, in 'The cat, as well as the dogs, is playful,' 'is' agrees with 'cat,' which is singular. This highlights the importance of identifying the primary subject when determining verb forms.
• In what ways can 'as well as' enhance the clarity and emphasis of a sentence?
  • 'As well as' enhances clarity by connecting related ideas without redundancy, while also emphasizing that both elements being joined are important. For instance, saying 'She enjoys reading, as well as writing' shows that both activities hold value to her. This structure allows for a nuanced understanding of relationships between concepts or items.
• Evaluate how substituting 'as well as' with other conjunctions might change the meaning of a sentence.
  • Substituting 'as well as' with other conjunctions, such as 'and,' can shift emphasis and meaning. For instance, replacing 'She plays piano as well as guitar' with 'She plays piano and guitar' suggests equal importance of both instruments but loses some nuance. 'As well as' implies an additive relationship where one aspect is not just similar but potentially subordinate to another, which can significantly affect reader interpretation.

Related terms

Conjunction:

A word that connects clauses or sentences or coordinates words in the same clause.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The grammatical rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural).

Compound Subject: A subject made up of two or more simple subjects that are joined by a conjunction and share the same verb.