[General] "as well as" with commas

[forinfo]

Hello teachers,

I wonder if the phrase "as well as" with or without commas have different meanings like the followings.

With commas:
1. Mary, as well as her parents, are going to Spain.
= Not only her parents but also Mary is going to Spain.
(emphasis on Mary)

Without commas:
2. In theory as well as in practice, his concepts are firm.
= In theory and in practice, his concepts are firm.

Thank you.

[whitemoon]

Originally Posted by forinfo

Hello teachers,

I wonder if the phrase "as well as" with or without commas have different meanings like the followings.

With commas:
1. Mary, as well as her parents, are(is) going to Spain. (with comma, "is)
(without comma, are) Mary as well as(and) her paretns are going to Spain.
= Not only her parents but also Mary is going to Spain.
(emphasis on Mary)

Without commas:
2. In theory as well as in practice, his concepts are firm.
= In theory and in practice, his concepts are firm.

Thank you.

.