Good or Well?

GRAMMAR RULES - Good or Well?

"Good" is an adjective. It describes nouns or pronouns. It may be used with descriptive linking verbs like look, feel, sound, taste, or be to describe the subject.

Incorrect: The coffee tasted well this morning.
Correct: The coffee tasted good this morning.
Correct: The pitcher is looking good today.

"Well" is normally an adverb. It describes verbs (sometimes adjectives) and is used with most other verbs.

"Well" as an adjective means "healthy".

Incorrect: He pitches good.
Correct: He pitches well.

Incorrect: I do not feel very good.
Correct: I do not feel very well. (healthy)

http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000218.htm

The English words good and well are often confused by native and non-native speakers of English - this is a good lesson that will put you well on your way to understanding the difference.

- "Good":
Good is an adjective, which means that it modifies nouns.

"This is a good movie."
"What a good idea!"
"You speak good English."

Good can be used with copular verbs (that is, verbs which express a state of being, such as to be, to seem, and to appear), but it is still an adjective modifying a noun, not a verb.

"This movie is good."
"His ideas are good."
"Your English is good."


- "Well":
Well is an adverb, which means that it modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.

"Did the movie do well at the box office?"
"It was a well-defined idea."
"You speak English well."

Well can be used as an adjective to mean "in good health."

"You look well."
"I don't feel well."


The Bottom Line:
The confusion between good and well comes from their similar meanings, and a general confusion between adjectives and adverbs. Take a moment to think about what the word is modifying: if it's a verb, you'd do well to use well; otherwise, the good choice is good.


http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/difficulties/goodwell.html

"Good is the adjective; well is the adverb. You do something well, but you give someone something good. The exception is verbs of sensation in phrases such as "the pie smells good' or 'I feel good.' Despite the arguments of nigglers, this is standard usage. Saying 'the pie smells well' would imply that the pastry in question had a nose. Similarly, 'I feel well' is also acceptable, especially when discussing health; but it is not the only correct usage" (Brians, Common Errors in English Usage).