ALSO plus AS WELL ---Bopping It Twice When Once Will Do!

While proofreading a document for a client recently, I noticed a problem with wording that I have seen many times before. Writers seem to have trouble knowing when and WHEN NOT to use the phrase "as well."

Here is one quick and simple rule that can help: It is not necessary to use "as well" in combination with "also." One or the other will do. Using both confuses the meaning.

Here is a good example:

The Master Critical Path Method schedule can also provide a schedule-driven cash flow tool as well.

This is what I refer to in workshops as "bopping it twice when once will do." Here are the two acceptable ways to write this sentence:

The Master Critical Path Method schedule can also provide a schedule-driven cash flow tool.

The Master Critical Path Method schedule can provide a schedule-driven cash flow tool as well.

My personal preference in this sentence would be "as well."