Good is an adjective, isn't it? should't well be used...

[bulo]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #98 "Student Teacher Dialogue (1)", question 10

Student: That ......... very good to me. I'll see you next week.

(a) strikes
(b) hits
(c) falls
(d) sounds

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #98 "Student Teacher Dialogue (1)", answer 10

Student: That sounds very good to me. I'll see you next week.

Correct answer: (d) sounds
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good is an adjective,isn't it? should't well be used instead?

bulo

[Pamela]

"good"is an adjective,"well" is an adverb.In my opinion,well can be used,but good is more preferable

[Alan]

Hi Pamela,

You said:

[Pamela]

We have a strict rule that "well"can be used as an adverb and "good"as an adjective.But I observe in spoken language the opposite :(though it doesn't correspond to grammar norms

[Alan]

Hi Pamela,

Sorry don't follow your point. Who is 'we'?

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
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[Pamela]

I mean "teachers of English language" :D We had a great dispute about that matter two years ago

[Yankee]

Hi Pamela

During your great dispute, did you happen to debate "linking verbs" ? ;) This is the small group of verbs that take adjectives. And this is a grammar norm.

For example, you would NOT say "The weather became coldly." :cry:

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Pamela]

Hi,Amy.Sure, I agree and know the rule of usage these words and won in that dispute :D .I just want to say that in informal speech I heard an incorrect usage.Of course one could use them not in correct way because of igorance of some grammar rules :D

[Alan]

Hi pamela,

What is this dispute you keep referring to?

And what do you mean when you say:

[Pamela]

There is a tendency to mix up these two words(good and well)in combinations. I mean in my surroundings :D

[Yankee]

OK, let's go back to b?lo's question:

No, the word "well" is not correct in the test sentence.

There are a few verbs called "linking verbs" and these verbs can take adjectives. The most well-known example of a linking verb is the verb be. "He is intelligent."

Some other verbs in the "linking verb" category are: appear, become, feel, seem, smell, taste and sound. (There are a few more.)

Basically, when a verb doesn't indicate action but rather links back to the subject of the sentence (i.e. describes the state of the subject), then you need an adjective instead of an adverb.

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Conchita]

On top of it all, and as if matters weren't complicated enough, there are a few wolves dressed up in sheep's clothing. In other words, adjectives that look like adverbs. For example:

He isnt very well (healthy). She's looking very well today. I haven't been too well this morning. I hope the baby gets well soon.

She's looking quite poorly (ill). He's still feeling poorly.

He appears cowardly and even beastly, but he can be brotherly.

[Yankee]

Hi Conchita

We also shouldn't forget the adjective friendly. Now there's a very big wolf in sheep's clothing. :D

And, theoretically, you could also use the word well with the verb sound if you wanted to say that the sound of someone's voice indicates health or ill health ... ("He sounds well.") :lol:

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln