as well as

Meaning

As well as has a similar meaning to ‘not only … but also’.

• She’s got a goat, as well as five cats and three dogs.
• He’s clever as well as nice. (= He’s not only nice, but also clever.)
• She works in television as well as writing children’s books.

When some information is already known to the listener/reader, we put this with as well as.

• As well as birds, some mammals can fly. (not Birds can fly, as well as some mammals.)
• They speak Italian in parts of Switzerland as well as Italy. (not They speak Italian in Italy as well as parts of Switzerland.)

Verbs after as well as

When we put a verb after as well as, we most often use the -ing form.

• Smoking is dangerous, as well as making you smell bad. (not … as well as it makes you smell bad.)
• As well as breaking his leg, he hurt his arm. (not … as well as he broke his leg, …)

After an infinitive in the main clause, an infinitive without to is possible.

• I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children.

Note the difference between:

• She sings as well as playing the piano. (= She not only plays, but also sings.)
• She sings as well as she plays the piano. (= Her singing is as good as her playing.)

note

For as well, also and too, (see here).