Good vs well
Good is an adjective that describes a person or thing, as in a good singer. It also follows verbs like be, taste and sound: the soup tastes good. Well is usually an adverb that describes how someone does something: she sings well.
A good singer sings well. Good describes the singer, and well describes the singing.
good adjective
Describes a person or thing, as in a good cook or a good evening. Good at means skilled at something.
- Maria is a good cook.
- My sister is good at drawing.
well adverb
Describes how someone does something. It means in a good or skillful way.
- Maria cooks well.
- My sister draws well.
Watch out
- Well is not only an adverb. It can also be an adjective that means healthy and not ill, especially after being sick.Grandpa was sick last month, but he is well now.
- In informal speech, especially American English, good can mean you are fine or need nothing more. In reply to How are you?, both I'm good and I'm well are common, but I'm well is the safer choice in formal situations.We're good, thanks, just looking.
Test yourself
The team played blank and won the game.
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well. The blank tells how the team played, so you need the adverb well.
Are you blank at math?
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good. Good at means skilled at. Here good describes the person.
The lost hiker was found safe and blank.
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well. Here well is an adjective that means healthy and not ill.
Thanks for a blank evening.
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good. The blank describes the noun evening, so you need the adjective good.