Key Difference

Both “as well” and “too” mean “also” or “in addition.” However, “as well” is slightly more formal and typically used at the end of a sentence, while “too” is more flexible in placement and commonly used in both casual and formal settings.

When to Use “Too”

1. Adding Information
   • “Too” is commonly used to show that something additional applies. You can place it at the end of a sentence or after the subject.
   • Example:
     • “I want ice cream, too.”
     • “She loves reading, too.”
2. Between Subject and Verb (More Formal)
   • In formal contexts, you might see “too” used between the subject and verb, especially when emphasizing agreement.
   • Example:
     • “I, too, find this subject fascinating.”
3. Negative Constructions
   • “Too” is rarely used in negative sentences. For negatives, words like “either” are preferred.
   • Example:
     • “I don’t want to go, either.” (Not: “I don’t want to go, too.”)

When to Use “As Well”

1. Adding Information (End of Sentence)
   • “As well” is typically used at the end of a sentence and is slightly more formal than “too.”
   • Example:
     • “He enjoys soccer as well.”
     • “They will attend the event as well.”
2. Less Flexibility
   • Unlike “too,” “as well” cannot go between the subject and verb.
   • Incorrect: “I as well love coffee.”
   • Correct: “I love coffee as well.”
3. More Formal Tone
   • “As well” often appears in formal writing or speech, where it adds a touch of elegance to the sentence.
   • Example:
     • “We will need extra chairs as well for the meeting.”

Quick Comparison Chart

Examples in Context

• “Too” Examples:
  • “I’d like some water, too.”
  • “The teacher was impressed, and the students, too, were pleased.”
  • “He can’t make it to the meeting, and I can’t, either.”
• “As Well” Examples:
  • “Can I bring my friend as well?”
  • “Our department will be joining the conference as well.”
  • “She has experience in marketing as well.”

Practice Exercise

Try filling in the blanks with “too” or “as well”:

1. “I’ll have the chocolate cake, ______.”
2. “We should bring some extra chairs, ______.”
3. “The children want to join the field trip, ______.”

Answers:

1. “I’ll have the chocolate cake, too.”
2. “We should bring some extra chairs, as well.”
3. “The children want to join the field trip, too.”