more than well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'more than well' is not an accepted or standard phrase in written English. However, it is possible to use the phrase 'better than well' in a sentence, as in the example below: "She was feeling better than well after her recovery from the flu."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I feel more than well.

The Guardian

Actually more than, well G12.

The Guardian

It was more than well put.

The New York Times

Porchetta serves little more than, well, porchetta.

The New York Times - Food

By all accounts, he performed more than well.

The Guardian

FISHING, I recently discovered, is about more than, well, fishing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

That may reflect nothing more than well-judged caution.

The Economist

Investors viewed these ratings as authoritative statements when they were nothing more than well-informed "opinions".

The New York Times

Powerful conservatives, like Mr Rohani, can deliver more than well-intentioned but ineffective reformists.

The Economist

The margin of defeat – 230 votes – was substantially more than well-informed observers were predicting only hours before the vote.

Yale University

Bourdain, who is more than well-enough read to argue the toss on this one, dismisses the point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "more than well" can be used creatively, ensure it resonates with your intended audience. Be aware that formal English usage may favor alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "more than well" in formal writing without careful consideration. While it appears in some published sources, it's not universally recognized as grammatically correct or stylistically appropriate. Over-reliance on this phrase may detract from clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than well" functions as an intensifier to describe a state or action that surpasses a standard level of 'well-being' or competence. Ludwig shows examples across various domains, but the phrase might still be considered unconventional.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more than well" is used to express a state exceeding basic well-being or competence. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically questionable, though it appears in various sources. While it's prevalent in news and media and academia, usage in formal writing demands caution. For clarity and correctness, alternatives like "extremely well" or "exceptionally well" are often preferable. When deciding whether to use "more than well", consider your audience and the desired stylistic effect. In short, be mindful of the nuance!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely well

Focuses on the high degree of competence or success, removing the comparative aspect.

very well indeed

Adds emphasis to the 'very well', highlighting a strong positive performance.

exceptionally well

Emphasizes the unusual or remarkable quality of being 'well'.

remarkably well

Highlights the surprising or unexpected nature of being 'well'.

exceedingly well

Indicates a very high degree, perhaps more formal than 'extremely'.

outstandingly well

Focuses on the superior quality of the performance or state.

better than expected

Shifts the focus to surpassing expectations, rather than just being 'well'.

above and beyond

Implies exceeding what was required or anticipated, adding a sense of extra effort.

to a greater extent

More formal and general, indicating a higher degree without specifying 'well'.

in an extraordinary manner

The phrase replaces the concise, simple phrasing of "more than well" with a more detailed, formal style.

FAQs

What does "more than well" mean?

The phrase "more than well" generally implies a state that exceeds being simply "well", suggesting something is exceptionally good or satisfactory. However, its usage isn't always grammatically standard.

Is it correct to say "more than well"?

While you might find instances of "more than well" in writing, it's not considered strictly grammatically correct in formal English. Alternatives like "extremely well" or "very well indeed" are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "more than well"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "more than well" with phrases like "exceptionally well", "remarkably well", or "better than expected" to convey a similar meaning with greater clarity.

How can I use "more than well" effectively in writing?

If you choose to use "more than well", do so deliberately for stylistic effect, perhaps in creative writing or informal contexts. Be mindful that some readers may perceive it as non-standard. Prioritize clarity by considering alternatives like "outstandingly well" or other suitable synonyms.