Meaning
In addition to.
Cultural Background
In French dissertations, using 'aussi bien que' is preferred over 'et' to show that the writer has a structured, hierarchical mind. In Quebec, 'aussi bien que' is used similarly, but in casual speech, 'autant que' is sometimes substituted even for quality, which is a regional variation. Legal texts use this phrase to ensure that no party is excluded from a provision, emphasizing the 'equality before the law'. In diplomacy, 'aussi bien que' is used to list nations or entities to avoid implying that one is more important than the other.
The Agreement Secret
If you want to sound like a true C1/C2 expert, keep the verb singular when 'aussi bien que' follows the first subject. It shows you master the 'parenthetical' nuance of the phrase.
Quantity vs Quality
Never use 'aussi bien que' to mean 'as many as'. Use 'autant que' for numbers and amounts.
Meaning
In addition to.
The Agreement Secret
If you want to sound like a true C1/C2 expert, keep the verb singular when 'aussi bien que' follows the first subject. It shows you master the 'parenthetical' nuance of the phrase.
Quantity vs Quality
Never use 'aussi bien que' to mean 'as many as'. Use 'autant que' for numbers and amounts.
Elegance in Emails
Use 'aussi bien que' in your 'Objet' line or opening sentence of a formal email to immediately signal a high level of French proficiency.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form (aussi bien que / aussi bien qu').
Elle joue du {le|m} piano ______ sa sœur.
Use 'que' because 'sa' starts with a consonant.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in a formal context?
A) Le {le|m} directeur aussi bien que ses {le|m} employés sont arrivés. B) Le {le|m} directeur aussi bien que ses {le|m} employés est arrivé.
In formal French, the verb agrees with the first subject.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent nuance.
1. Aussi bien que (Comparison), 2. Aussi bien que (Addition), 3. Autant que (Quantity)
Distinguishing between quality, addition, and quantity is key.
Fill in the missing part of the professional response.
Recruteur: 'Parlez-vous anglais ?' Candidat: 'Oui, je le parle ______ l'allemand.'
The candidate is comparing their level of skill in two languages.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Aussi bien que vs. Autant que
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElle joue du {le|m} piano ______ sa sœur.
Use 'que' because 'sa' starts with a consonant.
A) Le {le|m} directeur aussi bien que ses {le|m} employés sont arrivés. B) Le {le|m} directeur aussi bien que ses {le|m} employés est arrivé.
In formal French, the verb agrees with the first subject.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Distinguishing between quality, addition, and quantity is key.
Recruteur: 'Parlez-vous anglais ?' Candidat: 'Oui, je le parle ______ l'allemand.'
The candidate is comparing their level of skill in two languages.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is very common in formal writing to start a sentence with it to introduce a parallel. Example: 'Aussi bien que son talent, sa persévérance est remarquable.'
'Ainsi que' is purely additive, while 'aussi bien que' retains a slight flavor of comparison or equality in quality.
In formal French, yes, if it's seen as an addition. In casual French, people often use the plural, but it's technically less 'correct'.
Absolutely. 'Il est aussi bien que son frère' (He is as good as his brother).
Almost never. In slang, you'd just use 'et' or 'aussi'.
Related Phrases
ainsi que
synonymas well as / along with
de même que
similarjust as / in the same way as
autant que
contrastas much as
non seulement... mais encore
builds onnot only... but also
également
similaralso / equally
