Buzz
A brief and helpful look at how and when to say “you as well.”
Picture this: you greet your neighbor on your way to work with a friendly “Have a great day!” and they smile back with “You as well!” Wondering if you need to reply or want a less formal version? This guide walks you through what “you as well” means, how it’s used, and what you can say instead.
Meaning & Usage of “You As Well”
“You as well” is a polite way to return kind wishes. It's similar to saying “you, too” or “and you,” though it sounds a bit more formal. While there’s no need to reply, a simple “thanks” works perfectly. It’s also useful when including a third person in a command or suggestion.
How-To Guide
What’s the Meaning of “You As Well”?
“You as well” offers a slightly more formal twist on “you, too.” It’s a streamlined version of a longer phrase like “you [compliment/wish] as well.” For instance, if someone says, “Enjoy your afternoon,” the full reply could be, “You enjoy your afternoon as well,” though most people simply respond, “You as well!”
- This expression pops up more often in British English, while Americans typically prefer “you, too.”
- It’s most commonly used in friendly conversation rather than professional or academic writing.
Using “You As Well” the Right Way
Say “you as well” in reply to well-wishing phrases. It’s a go-to response when someone says something like “Take care!” or “Happy New Year!” Because “as well” and “too” are often interchangeable, this phrase works in many of the same situations.
- Person 1: “Enjoy your lunch, Sarah!”
- Person 2: “You as well, Tom!”
- Just be sure the sentiment makes sense to echo—if a barista says “Have a great day,” it’s polite to respond, but maybe not if they clearly won’t be enjoying lunch anytime soon.
“You as well” can double as a playful or sarcastic comeback. Used with the right tone, it can flip an insult into a witty retort. It’s a favorite for adding humor among friends—or delivering a pointed jab if tensions are higher.
- Person 1: “You’re impossible, Kevin.”
- Person 2: “You as well, Mike.”
- Since sarcasm hinges on delivery, if you're not confident with it, check out some tips to master the art of the sarcastic comeback.
Use “you as well” to include someone else in a message or gesture. Though it’s less common, this phrase can bring another person into a conversation or extend an offer to them. It often acts as a polite afterthought to show inclusion.
- “You’re always invited to drop by, Sam. And you as well, Emma!”
- “Thanks so much for your help today, Josh. And you as well, Mia!”
“You as well?” can be a polite way to ask if someone had a similar experience. When recounting an event, you might ask another person “You as well?” to see if they’ve gone through the same thing. It tends to sound a bit formal in American English, where “You, too?” is more natural.
Alternatives to Saying “You As Well”
Plenty of expressions can replace “you as well.” Especially in American English, it might feel overly formal, but there are many casual and a few polished alternatives:
- “You, too!”
- “And you!”
- “You also!”
- “Same to you!”
- “Likewise!”
- “Right back at you!”
- “Ditto!”
- “Same!”
- “The feeling is mutual!”
- “I wish you the same!”
- “I heartily reciprocate the same!”
- “Same goes for you!”
- “Wishing you the same!”
- “As well to you!”
- “Also to you!”
Replying to “You As Well”
The simplest reply to “you as well” is to say thank you. Whether someone is returning your well wishes or paying you a compliment, a polite “thanks” is always appropriate. Even if it’s said with sarcasm, a playful “Thanks” can match the tone. Feel free to use other expressions of gratitude like:
- “I appreciate it!”
- “Much obliged!”
- “Cheers!”
- “That’s so kind of you!”
- “Much appreciated!”
- “Many thanks!”
Is “I As Well” a proper phrase?
Using “I as well” isn’t grammatically accurate. Many people mistake it for a formal way of saying “me too,” especially when trying to express shared feelings or agreement. While “me as well” might be heard in casual conversation, “me too” is far more natural and widely accepted.
- Better alternatives for expressing agreement include “I do too” and “so do I.”
