Good, Well
In the English language, it is quite common to confuse the words "good" and "well." One way to understand the difference between the two is to remember that "good" is an adjective and "well" is an adverb. The word "good" can modify a noun and the word "well" can modify an action.
Using Good and Well in General Sentences: The word "good" is an adjective. It is always used with a noun. Good should never be used as an adverb. For example:
The word "well" is an adverb. It is used to modify a verb, adverb or another adjective and answers the question "how?". For example:
Using Good and Well with Linking Verbs: The words "good" and "well" can be used as a predicate adjective, which follows a linking verb and refers back to the subject of the linking verb. Linking verbs are used to describe states of being, like the verb to be, or to describe senses, like to feel. The sentences “I feel sad,” and “He is fast” both use a linking verb. When using linking verbs that refer to the senses such as appear, taste, sound, smell, look, and seem, use "good." For example:
When using linking verbs that describe health such as be, feel or look, use "well." For example:
When describing someone's emotional state, use the word "good." Some examples include:
What should you do if you are asked the question "How are you?" If you want to answer regarding your health, the correct response is "I feel well." If you want to answer regarding your emotional state, the correct response is "I feel good." End the Confusion: Since the words "good" and "well" have similar meanings, it is not unusual to confuse the two, especially in casual conversation. Keep it simple and end the confusion by remembering that well describes actions and good describes nouns. (Description from Grammar.YourDictionary) |