1. When a comma IS needed before "as well":
* When "as well" acts as an afterthought: This happens when it's added to a sentence to provide additional information.
* *Example:* "I bought a new laptop, as well as a printer."
* When "as well" separates two independent clauses:
* *Example:* "The sun is shining, as well as the moon."
* When "as well" follows a list:
* *Example:* "She bought apples, oranges, and bananas, as well."
2. When a comma IS NOT needed before "as well":
* When "as well" is used to emphasize something already mentioned:
* *Example:* "I'm hungry. I'm also tired, as well."
* When "as well" is part of a phrase that functions as an adjective or adverb:
* *Example:* "She is a talented singer, as well as a dancer."
General Rule:
If you can remove "as well" from the sentence and the meaning remains clear, then a comma is probably needed.
Example:
* "I went to the store, as well." (Correct - comma is needed because "I went to the store" is a complete sentence)
* "He is a good student, as well." (Correct - comma is needed because "He is a good student" is a complete sentence)
* "I want to go to the beach as well." (Incorrect - comma is not needed because "I want to go to the beach as well" is a single sentence)
If you're ever unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use a comma.