sing well

USAGE SUMMARY

"sing well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a verb phrase to describe someone's ability to sing in a skillful or proficient manner. Example: "The singer's performance was outstanding, she sang well and captivated the entire audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They sing well.

The New Yorker

But they do sing well.

The New York Times - Sports

She could, in fact, sing well.

The New York Times - Arts

But Thierry Henry says American fans sing well.

The New York Times - Sports

Ahmet does not sing well; nor does he really dance.

The New Yorker

"They don't have to sing well," she added.

The New York Times

"You don't even have to sing well," Dog said.

The New York Times

Just because people sing well doesn't mean that they're interesting.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Nathan Berg and Raul Hernandez also sang well.

The New Yorker

Few soldiers sang well.

The New York Times

She also sang well.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to "sing well", consider the specific context. Use more descriptive language to convey the quality of their voice (e.g., "she sings with power", "he sings with emotion").

Common error

Avoid assuming that "sing well" implies professional-level talent. It simply means someone is competent and pleasant to listen to. If specifying professional level skill is needed, you may use more specific phrase such as "amazing voice" or "gifted singer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sing well" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the ability to perform vocally with competence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing someone's singing ability, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sing well" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's ability to sing proficiently. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, being more descriptive to emphasize particular qualities of a singer's vocal performance can add nuance. By avoiding the assumption that "sing well" implies professional-level talent and by understanding the scope of this expression, writers can effectively communicate about vocal abilities in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform vocally with skill

Emphasizes the skill involved in vocal performance.

vocalize proficiently

Highlights the proficiency in using one's voice.

sing beautifully

Emphasizes the aesthetic quality of the singing.

demonstrate vocal prowess

Highlights the technical skill in singing.

have a good singing voice

Focuses on the inherent quality of the voice.

be a talented singer

Highlights the talent associated with singing ability.

deliver a strong vocal performance

Highlights the impact of the singing.

have a melodious voice

Stresses the pleasantness of the singer's voice.

carry a tune well

Suggests the ability to sing in pitch and rhythm.

sing competently

Focuses on the singer's adequate skill level.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who doesn't "sing well"?

You could say they "can't carry a tune", are "tone deaf", or "not a good singer", depending on the severity.

What does it mean when someone says poetry "doesn't sing well"?

It means the poetry lacks a pleasing rhythm or flow when read aloud; it doesn't have a natural musicality. Some might say instead that the poem is "not lyrical".

Is "sing good" grammatically correct instead of "sing well"?

No, "sing good" is grammatically incorrect. "Well" is an adverb modifying the verb "sing", while "good" is an adjective.

What are the qualities of someone who can "sing well"?

Someone who can "sing well" typically has good pitch, rhythm, breath control, and vocal tone. They can also convey emotion and connect with their audience. Someone who can "carry a tune" may also possess some of these qualities.