Do you ever wonder whether to write “aswell” or “as well”? You’re not alone. Many writers, students, and professionals search for this exact question online. The confusion arises because both versions sound identical when spoken, but only one is correct in standard English. Misusing this phrase can make your writing look careless or unprofessional.
In this guide, we will clear up the confusion once and for all. You’ll learn the correct spelling, why the mistake happens, and when it matters. We’ll also explore British and American English differences, common errors, and examples from emails, social media, and news writing. By the end, you’ll confidently know which form to use and why.
Whether you’re writing a school essay, a professional email, or social media posts, this guide will help you avoid a simple but common spelling error. Understanding this small detail can improve your credibility and make your writing polished.
Aswell or As Well – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is “as well” (two words).
Example:
- ✅ I’d like a coffee as well.
- ❌ I’d like a coffee aswell.
Tip: “Aswell” is not recognized as standard English and should be avoided in formal writing.
The Origin of As Well
The phrase “as well” dates back to Middle English, combining “as” (meaning “also” or “in the same way”) with “well” (meaning “properly” or “favorably”). Over time, some writers began merging the words into “aswell”, but dictionaries and style guides never accepted this form.
The separation highlights that “as” functions as a conjunction, and “well” is an adverb modifying the main verb. Keeping them separate follows traditional English grammar rules.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use “as well”. The incorrect single-word “aswell” appears occasionally online, but it is never considered standard in either variant.
Comparison Table:
| Variant | Example | Correct? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| as well | I want to join as well. | ✅ Correct | Standard in UK & US English |
| aswell | I want to join aswell. | ❌ Incorrect | Informal or mistaken usage; not recognized by dictionaries |
Key Point: There is no difference between British and American English for this phrase—both prefer the two-word version.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- United States & Canada: Always use “as well”.
- United Kingdom & Commonwealth: Stick to “as well”.
- Global Audience: If writing for international readers, “as well” is safe and professional.
Avoid “aswell” in formal writing, academic work, professional emails, and publications. Only casual informal notes or quick messages might include “aswell,” but even then, it’s technically a mistake.
Common Mistakes with As Well
- Merging words: “aswell” → ❌ Correct form: as well.
- Misplacement: “I like pizza as well I like pasta” → ❌ Correct: “I like pizza. I like pasta as well.”
- Replacing with “too” incorrectly: “I like coffee as well” ✅ is fine; “I like coffee too” is a casual alternative.
- Using at sentence start without context: “As well, I went shopping” → ✅ Better: “I went shopping as well.”
As Well in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- “Please review the report, and let me know your feedback as well.”
Social Media:
- “I’m excited for the concert tonight as well!”
News Articles:
- “The government announced new policies, and the education sector benefited as well.”
Formal Writing:
- “The study includes adults aged 18–65, and teenagers were included as well.”
Aswell or As Well – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to Google Trends:
- “As well” dominates search queries worldwide.
- “Aswell” shows minimal searches and is usually from non-native speakers or informal contexts.
- Most searches come from the UK, US, Canada, and India.
Conclusion from data: Always use as well to meet standard writing expectations.
Keyword Comparison Table
| Version | Status | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| as well | ✅ Correct | I’ll join the meeting as well. |
| aswell | ❌ Incorrect | I’ll join the meeting aswell. |
FAQs About As Well
1. Can I use “aswell” in formal writing?
No. Always use “as well” in essays, emails, or official documents.
2. Is “aswell” ever correct?
Not in standard English. Some informal online usage exists, but it is not recognized by dictionaries.
3. Can “as well” replace “too”?
Yes, often. Example: “I like tea as well” = “I like tea too.”
4. Where should I place “as well” in a sentence?
Typically at the end: “She enjoys reading as well.”
5. Is “as well” used in British and American English?
Yes, both varieties use as well. There is no difference.
6. Can “as well” start a sentence?
It can, but it’s less common: “As well, we need to consider the budget.”
7. Is “aswell” ever accepted in writing guides?
No, major dictionaries and style guides do not accept “aswell.”
Conclusion
To summarize, the correct form is “as well”, and it should always be written as two words. Miswriting it as “aswell” is a common mistake but considered incorrect in standard English. Both British and American English follow the same rule, making “as well” safe for any audience.
Use as well to sound professional, whether in emails, essays, social media, or news articles. Remember: placement matters, and it usually comes at the end of a clause or sentence. Avoid “aswell” entirely to maintain credibility in your writing. With this guide, you can confidently choose the right form every time and eliminate confusion once and for all.
