Another fact in the same sentence
As well as and in addition to mean “also” and “in addition to.” They link a noun, noun phrase, or -ing action. The addition keeps both facts; it does not replace one with the other.
The drawer holds envelopes as well as stamps.
There are envelopes in the drawer, as well as stamps.
The stamps are added to the envelopes; these are two different things.
A noun phrase after the phrase
A phrase naming an object, person, service, or event, together with its dependent words, can follow the expression. Keep the necessary articles and modifiers. Write in addition to with to, not with of or for.
as well as / in addition to + noun phrase
- NP / noun phrase —
- A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
- noun —
- A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
In addition to the entrance fee, visitors pay for a boat ride.
In addition to the entrance fee, visitors pay for a boat ride.
The entrance fee is a complete noun phrase; the main statement begins after it.
We express an action or state with -ing
In this pattern, use -ing to add an action, rather than a separate clause with its own subject and finite verb. The to in in addition to is a preposition, so it must also be followed by an -ing form. A state with an adjective can be expressed with being; put negation before the -ing form.
As well as / In addition to + (not) + verb-ing, main clause
- verb / V —
- A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
- V-ing / -ing —
- The verb form ending in -ing: working, going. Its role depends on the construction.
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
As well as recording interviews, the reporter takes notes.
Apart from recording interviews, the reporter takes notes.
Recording introduces an additional action.
In addition to not charging for entry, the gallery offers free talks.
In addition to not charging for entry, the gallery offers free talks.
Not charging keeps the negation in the additional phrase.
The position of the phrase and the doer of the action
At the beginning of a sentence, put a comma after the whole phrase. The phrase can also come after the main statement; whether a comma is used depends on how separate it is in meaning. In an initial -ing phrase without its own subject, the doer must be understood to be the subject of the main clause.
As well as designing posters, Felix updates the website.
Apart from designing posters, Felix updates the website.
Felix performs both actions, not the posters.
The farm grows beans in addition to carrots.
The farm grows beans in addition to carrots.
A closely connected noun phrase at the end does not need a comma.
Two ways to add information without creating a false contrast
In many such sentences, both expressions are possible; in addition to sounds more formal. If the task does not restrict the choice, you do not need to guess a single correct one. Also is possible in the main clause, but it is not an obligatory part of this construction.
In addition to making pottery, Ruth teaches drawing.
Apart from making pottery, Ruth teaches drawing.
As well as making pottery would convey the same main meaning; also could be added before teaches.
Boundaries: a separate statement, an example, and a comparison
In addition without to can introduce a separate complete statement. In addition to, by contrast, requires a complement. Such as introduces an example of a category, whereas our expressions add another fact. As well as can also be part of an “as well as” comparison meaning “just as well as”; this lesson practises addition with a noun or -ing, not every possible use of as well as.
The hall has a stage. In addition, it has a small kitchen.
The hall has a stage. In addition, it has a small kitchen.
After in addition comes a complete statement with it has; this is a related pattern.
My cousin plays the violin as well as I do.
My cousin plays the violin as well as I do.
This compares skill; it is not an additional action in the pattern taught by this rule.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:In addition of a blanket, the cabin provides a pillow.
Correct:In addition to a blanket, the cabin provides a pillow.
The fixed expression for addition requires to, not of.
Incorrect:In addition to test the alarm, we check the lights.
Correct:In addition to testing the alarm, we check the lights.
A prepositional to must be followed by an -ing form, not an infinitive.
Incorrect:As well as she labels boxes, Kim counts them.
Correct:As well as labelling boxes, Kim counts them.
In an initial addition phrase, remove the separate subject and use -ing. The American spelling labeling is also correct.
Incorrect:The club provides bats as well balls.
Correct:The club provides bats as well as balls.
To link a noun, use the complete expression with the second as.