done pretty good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "done pretty good" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "done pretty well." You can use it informally to describe a satisfactory performance or outcome. Example: "After all the hard work, I think we've done pretty well on this project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I thought that I'd done pretty good.

The New York Times

"She's done pretty good since then".

The New York Times

I think I have done pretty good so far.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I think Western civilization has done pretty good old-school".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've done pretty good against left-handers up until that last at-bat".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's trying to make more money available, and he's done pretty good things".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He did pretty good".

The New York Times - Sports

She did pretty good.

The New York Times - Sports

I am doing pretty good".

The New York Times - Sports

We're doing pretty good".

The New York Times

"And I think he did pretty good".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "done pretty good" is common in spoken English, opt for "done pretty well" or "performed satisfactorily" in formal writing to maintain grammatical correctness.

Common error

Using "good" as an adverb is grammatically incorrect. Always use "well" as the adverbial form, especially in formal contexts. While some sentences including "good" can be considered acceptable they would be better written using the adverbal form "well".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "done pretty good" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe the quality of an action or performance. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Examples in Ludwig show its use in spoken language and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "done pretty good" is fairly common, particularly in spoken English and informal writing, it is grammatically incorrect according to standard English rules. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. The phrase serves to express satisfaction or approval, frequently appearing in news and sports contexts. For formal writing or professional communications, it is advisable to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "done pretty well" or "performed satisfactorily" to maintain clarity and professionalism. Despite its frequent usage, awareness of its grammatical shortcomings is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

done quite well

Replaces "pretty good" with "quite well", offering a more grammatically standard and slightly more formal tone.

performed satisfactorily

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal expression, emphasizing that the performance met the required standards.

achieved a good result

Focuses on the outcome, suggesting the effort led to a positive and acceptable result.

did a commendable job

Replaces the phrase with an expression that emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of the work done.

executed effectively

Highlights the efficiency and competence with which something was carried out.

succeeded admirably

Suggests a high degree of success that deserves admiration.

handled proficiently

Emphasizes the skill and expertise applied in managing a task or situation.

managed successfully

Focuses on the successful management of something, indicating a positive resolution or outcome.

accomplished effectively

Emphasizes the completion of a task or goal in an efficient manner.

produced good work

Highlights the quality of the output, suggesting the work was of a high standard.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "done pretty good"?

No, "done pretty good" is not grammatically correct in formal English. The correct phrase is "done pretty well". While "done pretty good" is sometimes used informally, it's best to use the grammatically correct form in writing and formal speech.

What's the difference between "done pretty good" and "done pretty well"?

"Done pretty good" is an informal, grammatically incorrect phrase. "Done pretty well" is the grammatically correct alternative, using the adverb "well" to modify the verb "done". Although the informal phrase is widely used, it's recommended to use the grammatically sound option when writing.

What can I say instead of "done pretty good"?

You can use alternatives like "done quite well", "performed satisfactorily", or "achieved a good result" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "done pretty good" acceptable?

"Done pretty good" is generally acceptable in informal speech and casual conversation. However, it is not appropriate for formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. In those contexts, it is better to choose a more formal alternative, such as "done quite well".