Good vs Well: Are You Using Them Correctly? Take the Quiz!

You say, “I’m doing good.” Everyone does. But are you really? Most people mix up “good vs well.” It’s a common slip-up. Misuse can change the meaning of your sentence. Thus, your message gets lost. We’re here to fix that. In short, this guide clears the confusion.

So, here’s what we will cover:

• First of all, how to distinguish good vs well.
• Secondly, when to use each word correctly.
• Also, common mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Lastly, a quick quiz

Let’s get started.

How to Distinguish Good vs Well

So, “good” and “well” cause endless confusion. You hear them mixed up daily. But they have distinct roles. “Good” is an adjective. It modifies nouns. “Well” is an adverb. It modifies verbs.

Think of “good” as a description. A good book. A good friend. It tells you what kind. “Well,” on the other hand, shows how something is done. She sings well. He writes well.

Consider this: “I feel good.” You describe your state. “I play tennis well.” You describe your action. Therefore, you see the difference.

• Firstly, “good” describes a state of being.
• Secondly, “well” describes an action.

Linking verbs add a layer of complexity. “I feel good.” “Feel” is a linking verb. It connects “I” to the adjective “good.” “I feel well,” however, can imply health. For instance, “I feel well after my illness.”

Pro Tip: Replace the word. If the sentence still makes sense with another adjective, “good” is likely correct. If you can replace it with another adverb, use “well.”

For example:

• “The pie tastes good.” (The pie tastes delicious.)
• “He performed well.” (He performed skillfully.)

When to Use Each Word Correctly (With Examples)

Knowing when to use good vs well is key. It prevents errors. It makes your writing clear.

Using “Good”

Use “good” when you describe a noun. It answers the question, “What kind?” For example:

• “That’s a good idea.”
• “She’s a good student.”
• “We had a good time.”

“Good” also works with linking verbs. Linking verbs connect the subject to a description. For instance:

• “The food smells good.”
• “He seems good.”
• “They look good.”

Using “Well”

Use “well” when you describe a verb. It answers the question, “How?” For example:

• “She sings well.”
• “He writes well.”
• “They played well.”

“Well” also describes health. For example:

• “I’m feeling well today.”
• “She recovered well from surgery.”

Examples of Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: “I’m doing good.”
• Correct: “I’m doing well.”
• Incorrect: “He plays basketball good.”
• Correct: “He plays basketball well.”

If you’re not sure, try replacing the word with a similar word. If it fits, you’ve got the right one.

• “She sings beautifully.” (Therefore, “well” is correct.)
• “That’s a fine idea.” (Therefore, “good” is correct.)

With Arvin, you can quickly check your sentences. Arvin will highlight any errors. It will give you the correct usage. Consequently, you learn faster. You type “I feel goodly today”. Arvin recognizes “goodly” is incorrect. It suggests “I feel well today” due to health. In short, it saves you from an embarrassing mistake.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (Good vs Well)

So, even fluent speakers mix up good vs well. Common errors pop up in everyday speech and writing. We’ll show you how to spot them.

Mistake 1: Using “Good” After Action Verbs

“I’m doing good.” This is a frequent error. “Doing” is an action verb. It requires an adverb. The correct phrase? “I’m doing well.”

• Incorrect: “He performed good.”
• Correct: “He performed well.”

Mistake 2: Using “Well” After Linking Verbs

“The food tastes well.” This sounds odd. “Tastes” is a linking verb. It needs an adjective. Use “good” instead.

• Incorrect: “She feels well about the news.”
• Correct: “She feels good about the news.”

Mistake 3: Confusing Physical and Emotional States

“I feel well about my presentation.” This implies physical health. You mean emotional state. Use “good.”

• Incorrect: “I’m feeling good after the surgery.”
• Correct: “I’m feeling well after the surgery.”

How to Avoid These Mistakes

1. Firstly, identify the Verb: Is it an action verb or a linking verb?
2. Secondly, ask “How?” or “What Kind?”: Does the word describe an action (how)? Or a state (what kind)?
3. Also, replace the Word: Try a synonym. Does it fit?
4. Lastly, use Arvin: Arvin catches these errors instantly. It clarifies the rules.

Pay extra attention to “feel,” “seem,” and “appear.” These are common linking verbs.

Quick Quiz: Good vs Well

Test your understanding. Choose the correct word in each sentence.

1. She sings (good/well).
2. The pie tastes (good/well).
3. I’m feeling (good/well) today.
4. They played (good/well) in the game.
5. He seems (good/well).

Answers:

1. Well
2. Good
3. Well
4. Well
5. Good

How Did You Do?

• 5/5: You’ve mastered “good” and “well.”
• 3-4/5: You’re on the right track. Review the rules.
• 0-2/5: Time for a refresher. Reread the sections.

In the end, practice regularly. Write sentences. Check them with Arvin. As a result, you’ll improve.

Ready to Write Right Every Time With Arvin?

Now, “good” and “well” no longer need to be a headache. You now have the tools. You know the rules. Practice makes perfect. Consequently, your writing improves.

Key takeaways on good vs well:

• Firstly, “good” is an adjective; “well” is an adverb.
• Secondly, “good” describes states; “well” describes actions.
• Lastly, linking verbs often pair with “good.”

Don’t let grammar errors hold you back. Use Arvin. It’s your personal editor. Arvin ensures your writing is clear and correct. After that, you’ll communicate with confidence.

FAQs

What is the difference between well and good?

“Good” is an adjective. That is to say, it describes nouns. “Well,” on the other hand, is an adverb. Therefore, it describes verbs. For example, you would say “a good book” when describing the noun, but “she writes well” when describing the verb.

Do you say I am well or I am good?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. To clarify, “I am well” usually refers to your health. In contrast, “I am good” usually refers to your emotional state or general condition.

Is it I slept good or well?

“I slept well” is correct. In this case, “slept” is a verb. Consequently, it requires an adverb. “Well” describes how you slept.

Which is correct, I feel good or I feel well?

Both can be correct. However, they express different things. “I feel good” describes your emotional state. Similarly, “I feel well” usually describes your physical health.