to be well

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to give a wish or express a hope that someone will be healthy, both physically and emotionally. For example, "I hope you and your family to be well during these difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Their fears proved to be well founded.

Independent

It appeared to be well used.

The New Yorker

The attack appeared to be well planned.

The New York Times

I wanted to be, well, serious.

The New York Times

I want to be well known, famous".

The New York Times - Magazine

"need to be well paid," said Heimann.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Those expectations appear to be well-founded.

The New York Times

Spectators tend to be well-behaved.

The Economist

That accusation seems to be well-founded".

The Guardian

Our guests tend to be well-read.

The Guardian - Travel

Her disease seemed to be well-controlled.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be well" when you want to convey a general sense of health, prosperity, or adequacy in a particular context. For example, "It is important to be well-informed before making a decision."

Common error

While "to be well" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "to be healthy", "to be successful", or "to be adequately prepared" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be well" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a complement to a verb or adjective. It expresses a desired state of being or a condition one hopes to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be well" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express a state of health, prosperity, or adequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in diverse writing contexts. While common in news, science, and general writing, being mindful of the specific context and choosing more precise alternatives in formal settings can enhance clarity. Whether wishing someone good health or emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared, understanding the nuances of "to be well" allows for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be healthy

Focuses specifically on physical and mental health, a common interpretation of "to be well".

to be in good health

Emphasizes a positive state of health and physical condition.

to be doing fine

Suggests a general state of wellness or satisfactory condition.

to be thriving

Implies flourishing or doing exceptionally well, often beyond mere survival.

to be prospering

Focuses on success and advancement, often in a financial or material sense.

to be successful

Highlights achieving goals and positive outcomes.

to be adequately equipped

Shifts the focus to being properly prepared or furnished for a task.

to be fully prepared

Emphasizes readiness and completeness in preparation.

to be in a good place

Indicates a positive mental or emotional state.

to be comfortable

Suggests a state of ease and contentment, both physically and mentally.

FAQs

How can I use "to be well" in a sentence?

"To be well" can be used in various contexts, such as "I hope you continue "to be well"" (regarding health), or "It's important "to be well"-prepared for the exam" (regarding readiness).

What's a good alternative to "to be well" when talking about health?

When specifically referring to health, alternatives like "to be healthy" or "to be in good health" may be more appropriate.

Is it always correct to use "to be well"?

While generally correct, "to be well" might be too vague in certain formal contexts. Consider using more specific terms based on the intended meaning, such as "to be successful" or "to be adequately equipped".

How does the meaning of "to be well" differ from "to be good"?

"To be good" typically refers to moral or ethical qualities, whereas "to be well" usually relates to health, prosperity, or adequacy. For example, saying someone "is good" implies they are virtuous, while saying they "are well" suggests they are healthy or thriving.