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Well

Well is a discourse marker, adverb or adjective.

Well as a discourse marker​

Spoken English:

In speaking, we often use well at the start of what we say. Its main function is to show that we are thinking about the question that we have been asked:

  • A: How was your meeting?
  • B: Well, it’s difficult to say. I think they liked our presentation but I am not sure.
  • A: How long would it take to drive from Dundee to here?
  • B: Well, let me see. I’d say it would take at least three hours, if not more.

Spoken English:

We can use well to show a slight change in topic, or when what we are about to say is not quite what is expected:

  • A: Have you found a house yet?
  • B: Well, we’ve stopped looking actually. Nadia’s company has offered her another contract and we’ve decided to stay in Edinburgh for another year.
  • A: Did you like that book?
  • B: Well, it was interesting, but war stories are not really my favourite.

We can use well when we want to change what we have said slightly, or say something in another way:

  • I’m not going on a hiking holiday. I hate walking. Well, I hate being out in the cold weather.
  • Fiona is feeling better. Well, she’s much better than she was. She’ll be back to work on Monday.

We can use well when we admit or acknowledge that something is correct or true:

  • A: It’ll take four hours to get to Glasgow.
  • B: It’ll take more than that. We’ll have to stop for a break somewhere.
  • A: Well, that’s true.
warning

We can use well with a rising intonation as a type of question when we want someone to tell us something. In this case, it means tell me or tell us. Be careful when you use this, as it can sound very direct:

  • A: There’s something I have to tell you.
  • B: What is it?
  • A: [silence]
  • B: Well?
  • Well? What did you say to her?
See also
  • Discourse markers (so, right, okay)

Well as an adverb​

We use well as an adverb when something is done to a good standard or in a good way:

  • He drives very well.
  • I work very well late at night.

We often use well before -ed forms, often with a hyphen:

  • This table isn’t very well-made.
  • I like my steak well-cooked. (I like my steak cooked for a long time.)
  • A: I’ve passed my driving test!
  • B: Well done.

Well and good​

Well and good have a similar meaning, but good is not used as an adverb. It is used as an adjective.

Compare

She sings very well.well used as an adverb modifying sings
She is a very good singer.good used as an adjective modifying singer

Well as an adjective​

We use well as an adjective, normally after a linking verb such as be, look or get, to mean ‘in good health’:

  • A: How are you?
  • B: I’m very well, thanks. And you?
  • Are you feeling OK? You don’t look very well.

In American English, it is common to use good instead of well in this context. This is less common in British English:

  • A: And how’s your mother?
  • B: She’s good. Thanks for asking.