well

USAGE SUMMARY

"well" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as an interjection, an adjective, an adverb, or a noun. Example sentence: Well, I think it's time to call it a day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They got on well.

The Guardian

Well, no.

The New York Times - Books

Well, perhaps.

The New York Times

Well, who knows?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Well, no, actually.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, kind of.

The New York Times

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, yes, actually.

The New York Times - Sports

I wish them well.

The New York Times - Arts

Well, thank you.

The New York Times

Well, yes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "well" as an adverb, ensure it accurately describes the manner in which an action is performed. For example: "She sings well."

Common error

While "well" is a useful interjection, avoid using it excessively as a filler word in speech or writing. Overuse can make your communication seem hesitant or unclear. Instead, pause briefly or rephrase your thoughts for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "well" functions primarily as an adverb modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating quality or manner. As noted by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable word in written English that can also function as an interjection, adjective, or noun. Examples from Ludwig, include adverbial uses such as "He does his job well."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well" is a versatile word functioning as an adverb, interjection, adjective, or noun, as highlighted by Ludwig. It is deemed grammatically correct and very common in usage, particularly within news media, formal business contexts, and scientific discourse. While the word's register is generally neutral, its interjectional use may be more informal. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its varied applications, solidifying its position as a fundamental element in effective communication. Understanding its nuances allows for precise and impactful expression in both speech and writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in good health

Emphasizes the state of being healthy, similar to using "well" as an adjective.

in a healthy condition

Similar to the adjective use of "well", this highlights a state of good health.

satisfactorily

Highlights the aspect of performing a task adequately, comparable to "well" as an adverb.

competently

Stresses the skill and ability involved, akin to "well" when describing performance.

adequately

Focuses on meeting a minimum standard, related to "well" in terms of competence.

in a satisfactory manner

Highlights the adverbial use of "well" referring to the action performed.

sufficiently

Indicates having enough of something, sharing a sense of completeness with "well".

so

Offers a shorter interjection for acknowledging something.

then

Suggests a logical progression or conclusion.

hmm

Similar to the interjectional usage of "well" to express thought or hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "well" as an interjection in a sentence?

You can use "well" to introduce a thought, express surprise, or acknowledge a previous statement. For example: "Well, I didn't expect that!" or "The car broke down. Well, that's just great."

What are some alternatives to using "well" as an adverb?

Instead of "well", you can use adverbs like "satisfactorily", "adequately", or "competently" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "well" as an adjective?

You can use "well" as an adjective to describe someone in good health. For instance: "I was sick, but now I am well." Alternatives include phrases like "in good health".

What's the difference between saying "I am good" and "I am well"?

While "I am good" is commonly used to express a general feeling of contentment, "I am well" is more specifically related to your health. Saying "I am well" implies that you are not sick and are in good physical condition. However, depending on the context, "I am good" may suffice.