Grammar choices
Good vs. Well
Good is usually an adjective that describes a noun: a good book. Well is usually an adverb that describes how something is done: she sings well. Well is also an adjective meaning healthy: I feel well.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| good | adjective | of high quality, pleasant or right; describes a noun or follows a linking verb |
| well | adverb | in a good, skillful or satisfactory way; describes a verb |
| adjective | in good health; not sick or ill |
Good
adjective: of high quality, pleasant or right; describes a noun or follows a linking verb
- That was a good movie, and the ending surprised me.
- The tomato soup on the stove smells good.
Well
adverb: in a good, skillful or satisfactory way; describes a verb
- Priya speaks French well after a year abroad.
- The interview went well, so I'm hopeful.
adjective: in good health; not sick or ill
- Theo stayed home because he wasn't feeling well.
- I hope your mother is well.
How to remember the difference
Good goes with nouns, well goes with verbs: a good cook cooks well, and a good driver drives well.
Good to know
After linking verbs like be, feel, look, smell and taste, use the adjective good: the bread smells good. I feel good (happy) and I feel well (healthy) are both correct. I'm doing good is common in speech but informal; I'm doing well is the safe choice.
Spot the mistake
She did really
goodwell on her math exam.Correct: She did really well on her math exam.
The car runs
goodwell now that it has new tires.Correct: The car runs well now that it has new tires.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. Omar plays the guitar very .
Answer: well. The word describes how he plays, an action, so the adverb well fits.
2. This bread tastes with butter and honey.
Answer: good. Tastes is a linking verb here, so the adjective good describes the bread.