not very well

USAGE SUMMARY

"not very well" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's health, physical appearance, or aptitude in a particular task or activity. Example: "I am feeling not very well today, so I will not be able to attend the meeting." In this sentence, "not very well" is used to describe the speaker's current state of health or physical well-being.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unfortunately, not very well.

The New York Times - Tech

He's just not very well".

Independent

They're not very well understood.

The New York Times

The answer is, not very well.

The New York Times

'I said, 'Not very well,' " 'Headaches?' Yes.

The New York Times

She sings, but not very well.

The New Yorker

"Not very well," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not very well," says Knowles.

The Guardian - Money

The heat worked, but not very well.

The New York Times

It was not very well attended.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As such, these are not very well-rounded individuals. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing health or emotional states, "not very well" is a gentle way to express discomfort or unease without being overly dramatic. For example, instead of saying "I feel terrible", try "I'm not feeling very well today."

Common error

While "not very well" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound weak. Opt for stronger, more precise alternatives such as "poorly", "inadequately", or specific adjectives describing the deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very well" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, it indicates a state or action performed to a less than satisfactory degree. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express that something is not done, felt, or understood with a high level of competence, health, or clarity. The examples show a wide range of applications from personal health to understanding complex topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not very well" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a less-than-satisfactory state or performance. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, more precise language may be preferable in formal writing. Its primary function is to soften negative assessments, providing a gentler way to convey criticism or concern. When considering alternatives, options like "not particularly well" or "poorly" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly well

Emphasizes a slightly stronger degree of inadequacy or lack of success compared to "not very well".

not especially well

Similar to "not particularly well", indicating a less than average performance or condition.

not so well

A more concise way of saying "not very well", suitable for informal contexts.

not really well

Adds a touch of informality and subjectivity to the assessment.

not adequately

Focuses on the sufficiency of performance or condition, implying a failure to meet requirements.

poorly

A direct and concise adverb indicating a low quality of performance or condition.

inadequately

Highlights the deficiency or insufficiency in a more formal tone.

not skillfully

Specifically refers to a lack of skill in performing an action.

suboptimally

A more technical term suggesting performance below the optimal level.

deficiently

Emphasizes a significant lack or shortage in the quality or execution.

FAQs

What does "not very well" mean?

The phrase "not very well" indicates that something is being done, experienced, or performing at a level that is less than satisfactory or adequate. It's a way of expressing that things are not ideal or up to par.

How can I use "not very well" in a sentence?

You can use "not very well" to describe a variety of situations. For example, "He played the piano "not very well"" or "She's "not been well" lately."

What are some alternatives to saying "not very well"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "not particularly well", "poorly", "inadequately", or "not so well" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "not very well" or "not well"?

Both "not very well" and "not well" are grammatically correct, but "not very well" often implies a more nuanced or moderate degree of inadequacy compared to the simpler "not well". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.