As a common word in English, \"as well\" has been used extensively in daily communication. However, do you know that \"as well\" also has a special usage principle named \"the near principle\"? In this article, we will explore the meaning of “as well\" and its application in daily English communication.
What does \"as well\" mean?
Before we delve into the \"near principle,\" let's first understand the inherent meaning of \"as well.\" In simple terms, \"as well\" is an adverbial phrase that implies the meaning of \"also\" or \"in addition.\" You can use \"as well\" ahead of a verb or at the end of a sentence, as the following examples show:
Example 1: John plans to have a rest on the weekend. I will go for a hike as well.
Example 2: I have finished my work in the daytime. I will do some reading as well tonight.
These two examples illustrate that \"as well\" serves as a connective word between two clauses in a sentence, which emphasizes a complementary relationship between these clauses. Specifically, it means \"I also have the same action as John in Example 1\" and \"I will also read in addition to finishing work in Example 2.\" It's essential to note that the use of \"as well\" implies that the action or state of things listed is equally important.
The \"near principle\" of \"as well\"
When using \"as well,\" we need to obey \"the near principle,\" which means two actions or states of things required to have similarities in time, space, or purpose. The \"as well\" sentence should be related to the preceding clause, forming a sense of context. Here are some examples of the application of the \"near principle.\"
Example 3: I have bought a ticket for the concert. Would you like one as well?
Example 4: John went to Spain to learn Spanish. His sister will visit him there as well.
These two examples meet the requirements of the \"near principle.\" In Example 3, \"Would you like one as well?\" refers to the same concert as the \"ticket\" mentioned in the preceding clause. In Example 4, \"as well\" means the sister will visit John in Spain, which is the same place as where he went to learn Spanish.
Summary
Therefore, we can draw out a conclusion that \"as well\" has a unique usage principle called the \"near principle.\" That is to say, we need to follow the similar rules of time, space, or purpose to ensure the coherence of the language while using \"as well.\"
Additionally, the principle of \"as well\" shows the essence of language, which is to express thoughts or convey information effectively. Following the \"near principle\" can not only avoid the misunderstanding between speakers but also enhance the readability and accuracy of English communication. In daily communication, we should strive to master the application of \"as well\" to make our ideas more straightforward, contextual, and efficient.
