The words ainsi que in French can mean different things depending on context as well as the structure of the sentence they're in.
Using "ainsi que" in French
Ainsi que = as well (as)
J'étudie la géographie, l'histoire ainsi que le français.I study geography, history and French as well.
Ainsi que can mean as well (as) when an element is added to a list (like a more elegant and also).
ATTENTION:
Note that the French expression aussi bien que also means as well as, but in the context of comparing abilities, as in as efficiently as.
Ainsi que and aussi bien que are therefore not interchangeable.
In the same vein, note that the expression aussi que does not exist in French.
Ainsi que = (just) as...
A rarer occurence is when ainsi que is followed by a conjugated verb (in Mode indicatif) to express (just) as, as such:
Literally, it says: 'Everything is happening just as I had planned it.'
Ainsi que = this way... that
ATTENTION:
Do not confuse ainsi que with expressions using ainsi (thus) followed by que (that):
-> Here it's the adverb ainsi followed by que.
C'est ainsi que ... = That's how ...
In this context, you can also use c'est comme ça/cela que..., but never c'est comment...
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
