Common Errors in English: Good or Well

Good is an adjective; well is an adverb but can also be used as an adjective.

Did you do good on your exam?

Did you do well on your exam?

Did you do a good job on your exam?

Good is modifying job – not the verb to do.

That’s well cake.

That’s good cake.

That cake tastes good.

Remember the rule about sense verbs? Because tastes is used, we need an adjective instead of an adverb. The same rule applies to to be.

Be good!

This sentence refers to your behaviour.

As an adjective, well is also used to mean in good health, so don’t get it confused with the adverb.

Be well.

This sentence refers to your health and well-being.