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‘Aswell’ or ‘As-well’: Which is Correct?

By:
Amy Gilmore
 Updated
October 10, 2024

If you are wondering whether 'aswell' or 'as-well' is correct, you need to read this guide.

Before we get started, here is the short answer in case you are in a hurry: 

  • 'Aswell' is a grammatical error. 
  • 'As-well' is also a grammatical error. 
  • The correct spelling is 'as well.' 

If you want to learn more about why this term is written as two separate words, read this entire guide with definitions, sample sentences, and writing tips.

Which is Correct, 'Aswell' or 'As-Well?'

When it comes to 'aswell' or 'as-well,' neither is correct. The term's grammatical way to write is 'as well' as two separate words. Combining the phrase or hyphenating them is never correct.

Many people get confused about whether or not 'as well' is one word or two because there are many similar English words that you combine to create similar phrases, for example:

  • Into
  • Unto
  • Into
  • Afterthought
  • Also
  • Always
  • Also
  • Although
  • Afterward
  • Undo
  • Before

Furthermore, when you create an adjective by adding a word to well, you hyphenate the two words, for example:

  • Well-thought
  • Well-written
  • Well-done

In all other cases, there is no hyphen between well and the second word, for example:

The well-thought-out plan was spot on. 

vs.

The plan was well thought out and spot on. 

Definition of 'As Well': What Does 'As Well' Mean?

Typically, when I look up definitions, I use the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. However, 'as well' does not have a definition. However, other resources do define the term.

The Britannica Dictionary defines 'as well' as an adverb that means:

  • Also
  • In addition
  • And
  • Too

The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines the same as:

  • Too or in addition
  • With equally good results
  • With equal reason
  • Desirable, appropriate, or sensible

Another source, the Cambridge Dictionary, defines 'as well' as an idiom or figure of speech that means:

  • Too or also

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary does list a definition for 'as well as,' which it defines as a conjunction that means:

  • In addition

It also defines 'as well as' as a preposition that means:

  • Besides or in addition to

Synonyms and Similar Terms to 'As Well'

  • As good
  • As fast
  • As far
  • As hot
  • As cold
  • As soft

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'As Well'

'As well' is a frequently used English phrase, so you must know how to pronounce the term. Correct pronunciation gives you credibility and helps ensure your audience understands your message.

So, here is a pronunciation you can reference.

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'as well':

az wel

Writing Tips: When and How to Use 'As Well'

Even experienced writers occasionally question how to correctly use words and phrases like 'as well. ' So, here are some tips to help you determine when and how to use 'as well' accurately.

  • Use 'as well' as an alternative to too. 

For example, you might hear someone say:

I hope you have an incredible holiday, as well. 

  • Use 'as well' when saying you have nothing better or more exciting to do.

As an example, you could say:

We might as well see Jen at work tonight unless you have a better idea.

  • Use 'as well' when you are saying that something is as good as can be expected.

For example, I might say:

I am as well as can be expected, given the situation. 

  • Use 'as well' to say that someone knows something as much as you.

So, you can say something like:

You know as well as I do that he isn't fit to be a management trainer

Sample Sentences Using 'As Well'

Now that you know the correct way to write this term, look at the sample sentences below using this phrase and a few related phrases, 'as well.'

As Well

  • I just spoke to Jim, and he said he is coming to our party this weekend. Are you coming as well?
  • He probably won't stay long. So, if you will be late, it's just as well that you won't come.
  • When Sarah heard her parents talk about summer vacation, she interjected, 'I want to go, as well.'

As Well As

  • He is as well as ever, but he is still striving to improve.
  • I published my first book before she was born. Does she think she will do as well as me in the writing contest?
  • I can't believe they treated us as well as they did. It was a pleasant surprise.

May/Might As Well

  • After Stephen told me he would be an hour and a half late to my 31st birthday party, I told him he might as well stay home.
  • It is already 1 pm, so you might as well spend all day lying in bed.

Just As Well

  • He told us he didn't want to join our team, but it was just as well. I do not think he could help us much anyway.
  • It is just as well that he decided not to come with us on our journeys.

Final Thoughts on Whether 'Aswell' or 'As-Well' is Correct

Wow! You learned a lot in this lesson. Here is a quick recap of what we covered about whether 'aswell' or 'as-well' is correct: 

  • 'Aswell' is a grammatical error, because as and well should never be combined into a single word. 
  • 'As-well' is also a grammatical error, because you do not need a hyphen between as and well. 
  • 'As well' is the grammatically correct way to spell the phrase. 

It may be challenging to remember even after learning which version of this term to use. However, if you are unsure, you can always return to this lesson for a quick review.

You can also learn about other phrases like these in the dozens of other grammar guides for writers that you will find here. Furthermore, there are posts to help you start a career in freelance writing or pitch to higher-paying writing clients.

So, before you leave, read a few more posts, and come back often to brush up on your grammar and writing skills.

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Written By:
Amy Gilmore

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