Good vs. Well

...and the adverb “well” to modify action verbs.

Now, if you've never heard of a linking verb before...

...let us explain. A linking verb is a verb that is less about action and more about connecting

words together.

“To smell” can often be a linking verb, so let's look at it in an example with “good”

and “well”. When you say, “My grandma smells good”...

...you mean that she smells like the Chanel perfume she likes to wear...

...or the chocolate chip cookies she just finished baking.

You'd never say, “My grandma smells well”...

...unless you were bragging about her uncanny ability to hunt down dirty socks with her

super-sensitive nose. Let's look at some action verbs.

You wouldn't say “Elaine reads good”. You'd say “Elaine reads well”.

You wouldn't say “Mike plays the piano good”. You'd say “Mike plays the piano well”.

In these examples, the adverb “well” is modifying the action verbs “reads” and

“plays”. Using the word “well” can prove a little

confusing because, in some instances, “well” works as a predicate adjective.

The best example of this is when you say, “I am well.”

Here, the linking verb “am” and the predicate adjective “well” come together to mean

you're healthy, as in… you've fully recovered from an illness.

If, however, you haven't had to visit a doctor in ages...

...because germs wither up and die when confronted with your incredible immune system...

...and someone asks how you are...

...you may safely reply, “I'm good.” Remember, the rule is...

...use the adjective “good” after linking verbs...

...and the adverb “well” to modify action verbs.

Now, all you need for that road trip to Memphis is some beef jerky and a water bottle for…

emergencies.