[Grammar] as well (word order)?

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Roadster

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China defied the rules of free world trade as it did not as well reduce the distribution of rare earths in the domestic market.

I feel the "as well" does not sound right. Would it be better to write: ... as it also did not reduce the Distribution of rare earths in the domestic market. ?
 

Matthew Wai

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I usually use 'either' instead of 'also' in a negative sentence.

Not a teacher.
 

Barb_D

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This is a bit hard to tell out of context. You are right that "as well" is wrong, but I can't confirm that "also" is right.

If this is the case:
They were required to do X and Y.
They did X.
They did not do Y.
You have already said that they have done X.

Then "They broke the rules by not also doing Y" is correct.
 

Matthew Wai

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I just follow what the dictionary says below (quoted from http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/also).

Use either when you are adding another negative fact
• Our first attempt didn't work, and our second didn't either (NOT also didn't).

Not a teacher.
 

Raymott

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I just follow what the dictionary says.
I think in that case, it's best to write, "Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English says to use 'either' instead of 'also' in a negative sentence." Saying that it's what you say gives the impression that you are a native speaker making your choice based on your extensive experience and natural acquisition of the language. I'm not belittling your opinion, and your posts here are quite useful. So, I hope you take this point as it is intended.
(The more I hear of Longman, the less I like it.)
 

Barb_D

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It's important to note that
... By not also doing Y
... By not doing Y either

Have different meanings regarding whether you did the unnamed X or not
 

Matthew Wai

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Saying that it's what you say gives the impression that you are a native speaker ...
What I wrote is 'the dictionary says' rather than 'I say', why would it give such an impression?
 

Raymott

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What I wrote is 'the dictionary says' rather than 'I say', why would it give such an impression?
Oh, I thought you understood, Matthew. You were the first person to respond to the OP, and what you wrote was "I usually use 'either' instead of 'also' in a negative sentence." Your first post was not "the dictionary says this, and that's why I do it". That only came after Tdol challenged your opinion. Note that the OP is also an English teacher.
I can explain further if you want to PM me.
 
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