Good vs Well: Adjective vs Adverb

The Answer to "How Are You?"

Quick Answer

Good = adjective (describes nouns). Well = adverb (describes verbs/how you do something).

But: "I'm good" and "I'm well" are BOTH correct! "Good" describes your state; "well" refers to health.

When to Use "Good" (Adjective)

Good describes nouns (people, places, things).

  • That's a good idea. → describes "idea" ✓
  • The food was good. → describes "food" ✓
  • She's a good writer. → describes "writer" ✓
  • I feel good. → describes your emotional state ✓
  • It looks good. → describes how it appears ✓

When to Use "Well" (Adverb)

Well describes verbs (how an action is performed).

  • She writes well. → how she writes ✓
  • He plays well. → how he plays ✓
  • They work well together. → how they work ✓
  • The meeting went well. → how it went ✓
  • I don't sleep well. → how I sleep ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Part of Speech Describes Example
Good Adjective Nouns (things) "A good book."
Well Adverb Verbs (actions) "She sings well."
Well Adjective (health) Physical condition "I feel well." (healthy)

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"She plays piano good."

✓ Correct:

"She plays piano well."

Why? "Well" describes HOW she plays (verb).
❌ Incorrect:

"That's a well idea."

✓ Correct:

"That's a good idea."

Why? "Good" describes the idea (noun).
❌ Incorrect:

"He did good on the test."

✓ Correct:

"He did well on the test."

Why? "Well" describes how he performed (verb).

The "I'm Good" vs "I'm Well" Debate

Both are correct! Here's why:

  • "I'm good" = I'm in a good state/mood (adjective describing YOU)
  • "I'm well" = I'm healthy (adjective for physical condition)
  • In casual speech, "I'm good" is perfectly acceptable
  • "I'm doing well" is always correct (adverb describing how you're doing)

Quick Tips

💡 The Action Test

Are you describing an ACTION? Use "well." Describing a THING? Use "good."

✅ With Linking Verbs

After linking verbs (feel, look, seem, taste), both can work depending on meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some people say "I'm good" is wrong?

Some believe only "well" should follow "am/is/are." But grammatically, adjectives can follow linking verbs. "I'm good" is correct.

What about "I feel good" vs "I feel well"?

"I feel good" = emotional wellbeing. "I feel well" = physical health. Both are correct with different meanings.

Is "well" ever an adjective?

Yes! "Well" is an adjective when referring to health: "I'm not well" = I'm sick.

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