It is quite common, especially in informal conversation, to misuse the words good and well.  Because of the mistaken use of these words in colloquial communication, it is becoming more and more common to use these two words incorrectly in formal writing.  So, let us clear this error up with some definitions and examples.

Good is an adjective used to describe or qualify a noun.  Its meaning indicates the noun is above average or better than normal.

Ex. Good grades are the result of study.

Good can be used after a linking verb like, be, feel, and the sensory verbs, etc.

Ex. Even though the soda was left out, it still tastes good.

Well is an adverb.  As an adverb, it describes or qualifies an action or to tell how or to what extent an action is carried out. You also can use "well" to describe someone's health.

Ex. I am doing well, and you? (Describes my state of existence)

Ex. Babe Ruth played baseball extremely well. (Describes or qualifies the verb played)

In addition to our website, we recommend the following site: The Common Errors in English Page at http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~brians/errors/errors.html.  This site contains an alphabetical list of common errors found in the English language.

Test your understanding of the correct use of good and well by answering the following sentences:

1.  Despite the fact our team lost, I played (good, well).

2.  The meal didn’t taste (good, well) the last time we ate there.

3.  We had a (good, well) time the last time we went to the movies.

Answer

1.  Despite the fact our team lost, I played well.

2.  The meal didn’t taste good the last time we ate there.

3.  We had a good time the last time we went to the movies.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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