Word Usage
Mary W. Ng
June 26, 2009
good, well
Good is an adjective.
| Correct: | Samantha looks good in that dress. | The adjective good follows the linking verb looks. The sentence means “Samantha looks attractive in that dress.” |
Well can be an adjective or an adverb. As an adjective, well is used to express a person’s state of health.
| Correct: | Samantha looks well. | The adjective well follows the linking verb looks. The sentence means “Samantha is in good health.” |
As an adverb, well is used to modify a verb or an adjective.
| Incorrect: | He plays the violin good. | The adjective good should not be used to modify the verb plays. |
| Correct: | He plays the violin well. | The adverb well is used to modify the verb plays. |