Page 39 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

Good vs. Well

Good – Always an Adjective

Always use good as an adjective (modifies a noun).

• Common Error: Nathan behaved good for the doctor.
Correction: Nathan behaved well for the doctor. (adverb)

Also correct: Nathan was very good for the doctor. (adjective)
Well – Adjective or Adverb?

Well is only an adjective when it refers to a person's health (modifies a noun);
otherwise, it is an adverb that modifies a verb.

• Common Error: Nathan is not feeling very good.

Correction: Nathan is not feeling very well. (adjective - relates to health)
Also correct: Nathan is not well.
• Common Error: Manuel plays his new music good.

Correction: Manuel plays his new music well. (adverb)
Also correct: Manuel's new music sounds really good. (adjective)

• Common Error: How are you? “I’m good.” Or simply, “Good.”
This is colloquial, common American English and is acceptable.

However, technically, we should reply with one of the two responses:
“I am well.” Or “I am doing well.”

Practice 6B: Good vs. Well. Write the correct use of good or well in the sentences below.

Example: John is a __good boy; he behaves well.

1. He treated Abram for her sake.
2. Then Jacob asked them, "Is he ?"
3. The plan seemed to Pharaoh and to all his officials.
4. See if all is with your brothers and with the flocks.
5. It is a land that the LORD our God is giving us.
6. What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak .
7. May you be blessed for your judgment.
8. Saul said to his attendants, "Find someone who plays and bring him to me."
9. Jonathan spoke of David to Saul his father.
10. He is a singer.

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