As Well As Is Or Are Grammar

As Well As Is or Are: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

Here's the thing about the English language is a tapestry of rules and exceptions, and few areas cause more confusion than subject-verb agreement. That said, " If you've ever hesitated over whether to write "The manager, as well as his team, is preparing the report" or "... are preparing the report," you are not alone. That's why among the trickiest phrases is "as well as. Which means this seemingly simple phrase often leaves even proficient writers second-guessing themselves. This article will demystify the rule, providing a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure you always choose the correct verb form—is or are—with confidence.

Not the most exciting part, but easily the most useful It's one of those things that adds up..

The Core Principle: "As Well As" vs. "And"

The most common mistake is treating "as well as" as a synonym for "and." While they can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual conversation, their grammatical function is fundamentally different, and this difference is the key to correct subject-verb agreement Still holds up..

• "And" is a coordinating conjunction. It connects two elements of equal weight. When you use "and," you typically create a compound subject, which almost always takes a plural verb.

  • Example: "The manager and his team are preparing the report." (Two subjects, one verb—plural.)

• "As well as" is a subordinating conjunction. Its primary function is to add information, but it does so in a way that emphasizes the first subject. The phrase that follows "as well as" is considered an addition or a parenthetical element, not a core part of the subject. Think of it as being set off by commas, almost like an afterthought. The grammatical weight is on the first subject alone.

The Golden Rule: Focus on the First Subject

The definitive rule for subject-verb agreement with "as well as" is this: The verb must agree in number with the first subject, ignoring the elements that follow "as well as."

Let's apply this rule to our initial example:

• "The manager (singular), as well as his team, is preparing the report."
  • We identify the first subject: "The manager" (singular).
  • We ignore the phrase "as well as his team."
  • The verb "is" correctly agrees with the singular subject "manager."

Now, let's test the opposite scenario:

• "The managers (plural), as well as the director, are preparing the report."
  • First subject: "The managers" (plural).
  • Ignore "as well as the director."
  • The verb "are" agrees with the plural subject "managers."

This rule remains consistent regardless of whether the added element is singular or plural. The number of the noun following "as well as" is irrelevant.

When to Use Commas with "As Well As"

The use of commas provides a visual cue that aligns with the grammatical rule. But when "as well as" introduces an add-on phrase, it should be set off by commas. This reinforces the idea that the phrase is parenthetical And that's really what it comes down to..

• Correct: "My brother, as well as his friends, is going to the concert."
• Incorrect (and confusing): "My brother as well as his friends is going to the concert." (The lack of commas makes it read more like a compound subject, which would incorrectly suggest "are").

That said, if "as well as" is used at the end of a sentence without adding new information, commas are often omitted.

• Example: "She speaks fluent French as well as Spanish." (Here, "as well as" functions similarly to "and," and no comma is needed).

Common Pitfalls and Tricky Scenarios

Even with the rule in hand, certain situations can be confusing. Let's manage them.

1. Pronouns as Subjects: The same rule applies. The verb agrees with the pronoun before "as well as."

• "He, as well as his siblings, is responsible for the chore." (Singular pronoun "He" -> singular verb "is").
• "They, as well as their parents, are attending the meeting." (Plural pronoun "They" -> plural verb "are").

2. Indefinite Pronouns: Be mindful of the number of the indefinite pronoun used as the first subject.

• "Everyone (singular), as well as the teachers, has submitted their forms." (Use the singular verb "has" with "everyone").
• "Some of the students (plural), as well as the principal, have completed the project." (Use the plural verb "have" with the plural phrase "some of the students").

3. The "False Plural" Trap: Sometimes, the noun following "as well as" might be plural, tempting you to use a plural verb. Resist this temptation!

• Incorrect: "A box of letters, as well as several packages, were delivered." (The verb should agree with "box," not "packages.")
• Correct: "A box of letters, as well as several packages, was delivered."

4. "Together With" and Similar Phrases: The rule is identical for phrases like "along with," "together with," "accompanied by," and "including." They all function like "as well as" and do not change the number of the subject Small thing, real impact..

• "The president, along with his advisors, is addressing the nation.
• "The team, together with their coach, is celebrating the victory.

Why Does This Rule Exist?

The logic behind the rule is about emphasis and clarity. Worth adding: by using "as well as," you are subtly signaling that the main point is about the first subject, and the additional information is secondary. Here's the thing — the writer wants to highlight the primary subject. Using a verb that agrees with the first subject maintains this focus and prevents the sentence from sounding awkward or grammatically incorrect.

And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds.

A Simple Test for Clarity

If you're ever unsure, try this foolproof method: **Remove the "as well as" phrase from the sentence entirely.That said, ** Read the sentence without it. The verb form that sounds correct in the simplified sentence is the one you should use.

• Original: "The CEO, as well as the board members, is/are attending the summit."
• Test: "The CEO is attending the summit." -> This is correct. So, the original sentence should be: "The CEO, as well as the board members, is attending the summit."

This test works because it forces you to focus on the core subject-verb relationship.

Conclusion: Emphasizing the Main Subject

The short version: the confusion surrounding "as well as is or are" dissolves once you understand its fundamental purpose. It is not a simple conjunction like "and" but a tool for adding supplementary information. Still, the verb must always agree with the first subject mentioned. By consistently applying this rule and using commas for clarity, you can eliminate this common grammatical error from your writing. Remember, the goal is to keep the focus on the main subject, ensuring your sentences are not only correct but also clear and effective.

No fluff here — just what actually works.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: Is it ever correct to use a plural verb with "as well as"? A: Almost never