pretty well

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the level of success or ability that someone has achieved. For example, "She did pretty well on her math test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things went pretty well.

The New York Times

I started pretty well.

The Guardian - Sport

Pretty well, in fact.

The New York Times

That's pretty well gone".

Independent

He played pretty well".

The New York Times - Sports

Both work pretty well.

The New York Times

"It's working pretty well".

The New York Times

It's done pretty well".

The New Yorker

Actually, pretty well.

The New York Times

"We're doing pretty well.

The New York Times

It worked pretty well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretty well," ensure that your sentence provides context for what constitutes 'well.' For instance, specify the area of performance or the standard against which something is being measured.

Common error

While "pretty well" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to convey the degree of success or competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty well" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists, indicating a level of competence or success that is above average but not exceptional. It is often used to express a degree of satisfaction or adequacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty well" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe something that is better than average but not exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The analysis shows it appears most frequently in news and media sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts, though it might be less appropriate for highly formal or scientific writing. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "reasonably well" or "quite well" to fine-tune the nuance of your expression. Avoid overuse in academic settings to maintain precision and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite well

Suggests a slightly higher degree of success or competence than "pretty well".

moderately well

Suggests a medium level of success or competence.

reasonably well

Indicates a satisfactory level, emphasizing adequacy more than excellence.

competently

Implies that something is done with skill and efficiency.

fairly well

Implies a moderate level of success, similar to "pretty well" but with a slightly more neutral tone.

satisfactorily

Highlights that the outcome or performance is acceptable and meets the necessary criteria.

adequately

Focuses on meeting the minimum requirements or expectations.

sufficiently

Indicates that something is enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

decently

Indicates an acceptable standard, often in a social or moral context.

passably

Suggests a barely acceptable level of performance or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty well" to describe something that is better than average but not exceptional. For example, "She handled the situation "pretty well"" or "The project is progressing "pretty well"".

What are some alternatives to "pretty well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reasonably well", "quite well", or "fairly well". These options offer slight variations in formality and emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty well" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "pretty well" may be less suitable for highly formal or academic contexts. Consider using more precise and sophisticated language to convey your meaning in those situations.

What does "pretty well" exactly mean?

"Pretty well" indicates that something is done or is proceeding to a satisfactory or adequate extent. It suggests a level of performance or condition that is above average, but not outstanding or exceptional.