very well

USAGE SUMMARY

"very well" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in response to a question, to express agreement, or to express understanding. For example, "Can you have this finished by Monday?" "Very well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bianco did very well.

The New York Times

"They did very well.

The New York Times

"Very well spent".

The New York Times

She's moving very well.

The Guardian - Sport

He pitched very well".

The New York Times - Sports

"Very well, thank you.

The Guardian - Sport

Very well balanced".

The New York Times - Food

Very well, actually".

Independent

Hull played very well.

Independent

MALLOY: Very well.

The New Yorker

He's doing very well".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very well" to indicate a high level of competence or satisfaction with a task or situation. It conveys a stronger affirmation than simply saying "well".

Common error

While "very well" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can make your tone sound less sophisticated. Consider using alternatives like "exceedingly well" or "exceptionally well" for a more polished effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very well" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, enhancing the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates a high degree of quality, skill, or agreement. Ludwig's examples show it modifying verbs like "pitched", "moving", and adjectives like "balanced" or "behaved".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very well" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express agreement, satisfaction, or to describe something done skillfully. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formal, and more polished alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing. Its prevalence in news, academic, and formal business contexts underscores its wide applicability, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely well

Emphasizes a higher degree of proficiency or success compared to "very well".

perfectly

Indicates flawless execution or a complete agreement.

exceedingly well

Similar to "extremely well" but with a slightly more formal tone.

remarkably well

Highlights the unexpected or surprising nature of doing something well.

exceptionally well

Suggests a performance that is above the average or standard.

quite well

A milder form of "very well", indicating a good but not necessarily outstanding performance.

satisfactorily

Implies that something meets the required standards or expectations.

adequately

Indicates that something is sufficient or acceptable, though perhaps not ideal.

all right

A more casual alternative, often used to express agreement or acceptance.

okay

An informal and simple way to express agreement or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "very well" to express agreement, satisfaction, or to describe something done skillfully. For example, "She sings "very well"" or "Very well, I will do as you ask".

What are some alternatives to "very well"?

Alternatives to "very well" include "extremely well", "perfectly", or "quite well", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very well" or simply "well"?

"Very well" emphasizes a higher degree of satisfaction or skill compared to "well". Use "very well" when you want to express a stronger affirmation or indicate exceptional quality. Otherwise you could use alternative answers such as "satisfactorily" or "adequately".

In what contexts is "very well" most appropriate?

"Very well" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from formal agreements to informal descriptions of skill. However, in extremely formal writing, consider alternatives like "exceedingly well" for a more polished tone.