not well

USAGE SUMMARY

'not well' is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is usually used as an adverb to describe something that is not done correctly or to the desired standards. For example, "The student's work was graded not well due to a lack of effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look, he's not well.

The New Yorker

All was not well.

The New Yorker

Not well, I say.

The New Yorker

"I am not well.

Independent

She's not well".

The New Yorker

She is not well.

The New Yorker

"He is not well.

The New York Times

I'm not well rounded.

The New Yorker

Not well enough though.

Independent

EUROPE is not well.

The Economist

"I'm not well".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not well" in formal writing, consider alternatives like "in poor health" or "ailing" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "not well" excessively in formal documents where more precise or technical language may be more appropriate. For instance, instead of stating "The patient is not well", a more suitable phrase would be "The patient is experiencing a decline in health" or "The patient presents with several concerning symptoms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not well" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English, often describing a state of being unwell or an action performed inadequately.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not well" is a versatile phrase used to express a state of being unwell or to indicate that something is done inadequately. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. While commonly found in news and media, its use extends to science and formal business contexts. For formal writing, however, alternatives like "in poor health" might be more suitable. It is important to consider the context and intended audience when using "not well" to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unhealthy

Direct synonym focusing on physical health.

sick

Common synonym for being in bad health.

ailing

Suggests a gradual decline in health.

poorly

A more formal adverb indicating a state of being unwell.

feeling ill

Focuses on the subjective experience of being unwell.

under the weather

Idiomatic expression for feeling slightly unwell.

in poor health

Emphasizes the general state of health.

indisposed

A formal term for being temporarily unavailable due to illness.

not in good shape

Refers to overall condition, physical or mental.

out of sorts

Suggests a temporary state of discomfort or unease.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says they are "not well"?

Saying someone is "not well" generally means they are experiencing some form of illness or discomfort, either physically or mentally. It indicates a state of being unwell, though the severity can vary.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "not well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unhealthy", "ailing", "poorly", or "sick". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not well" in formal writing?

While "not well" is grammatically correct, it may be considered too informal for certain formal contexts. In academic or professional settings, more precise terms like "in poor health" or "experiencing health complications" might be more appropriate.

How do I use "not well" in a sentence?

You can use "not well" to describe a person's state of health, as in "She is not well today and will be staying home". It can also describe how something is done, though this usage is less common. For example, "The project was not well executed".