do well

USAGE SUMMARY

'do well' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is doing a good job, is making an effort to achieve a good outcome, or is doing a task with skill. For example, "Jane is working hard and I'm sure she will do well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comedians do well.

The New Yorker

Some do well.

The New York Times - Health

He would do well.

The New Yorker

"I didn't do well.

The New Yorker

He didn't do well.

The New York Times - Sports

You won't do well".

The New York Times

It may do well.

The Economist

Didn't he do well?

Independent

If companies do well, you'll do well.

The New York Times

Even the ancients do well.

Independent

The locals, nevertheless, do well.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to indicate a subject is performing admirably or achieving good results in a particular field or activity, use "do well". For example, "She is studying diligently and is expected to do well on the exam."

Common error

Avoid overusing "do well" in contexts where a more specific verb would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The business did well last year", consider using "The business profited greatly last year" or "The business expanded successfully last year" for more precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "do well" is as a verb phrase, typically used to express success, good performance, or positive outcomes in a particular activity or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do well" is a versatile verb phrase used to express success, good performance, or positive outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage across diverse contexts. It's grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, science, and general writing. To enhance clarity, consider using more specific alternatives like "succeed" or "excel" when appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "do well" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform well

This alternative is a more explicit way of saying "do well", focusing on performance quality.

be successful

This alternative is a direct and simple way of expressing success.

succeed

This alternative emphasizes the achievement of a desired outcome or goal.

fare well

This alternative suggests a positive experience or outcome, often in the face of adversity.

excel

This alternative highlights outstanding performance and exceeding expectations.

achieve success

This alternative explicitly states the attainment of success.

prosper

This alternative suggests long-term success and flourishing.

thrive

This alternative implies vigorous growth and success in challenging conditions.

flourish

This alternative emphasizes growth and development in a positive direction.

make progress

This alternative focuses on the advancement and improvement over time.

FAQs

How can I use "do well" in a sentence?

You can use "do well" to describe someone's performance or success in a specific area. For example, "He hopes to "do well" in his new job" or "The company is expected to "do well" this quarter depending on market conditions".

What are some alternatives to "do well"?

Alternatives to "do well" include "succeed", "excel", "prosper", or "thrive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "did good" instead of "did well"?

While "did good" might be used informally, "did well" is generally considered grammatically correct and more appropriate for formal contexts. "Did good" usually implies performing a morally positive action, while "did well" refers to competence or success.

What's the difference between "do well" and "perform well"?

"Do well" is a general term for achieving a good outcome or result. "Perform well" is more specific, emphasizing the quality of execution or performance in a particular task or activity. While often interchangeable, "perform well" is preferred when focusing on the process rather than just the outcome.