Well vs. Good

Well

These are confusing because “well” can be both an adjective and an adverb. As as adjective, “well” is the opposite of “ill” or “sick” (adjective). As an adverb, it describes verbs in a positive light.

Of course, “well” has other meanings. As a noun, it is a hole in the ground for reaching water. It is also a space filler at the beginning of a sentence.

Good

“Good,” on the other hand, is only an adjective, the opposite of “evil” or “bad.”

To complicate matters, both have the same comparative forms: “better” and “best.”

Examples:

• A well child eats more than a sick one.
  • (“well” = adjective describing “child”)
  • (“well” = opposite of “sick”)
• “When you are well, we will go to the zoo.”
  • (“well” = adjective, no longer ill)
• One has to write well to become a best-selling author.
  • (“well” = adverb describing “write”)
• The sign advises to “Live well, eat well, sleep well” for a good life.
  • (“well” = adverb describing how to live, eat, and sleep)
  • (“good” = adjective describing “life”)
• “I’m good,” he said, smiling, meaning that he had no problem.
  • (“good” = adjective after the linking verb)
• Good children receive gifts from Santa Claus at Christmas.
  • (“good” = adjective describing “children”)

Credits: Photo by Massimo Sartiraza, Photo by Anton on Unsplash