What is the difference between good, fine, well and OK?

[Roger Gutierrez]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #253 "Good, Well and Okay Test (1)", question 4

You look great! That new outfit looks ......... on you.

(a) good
(b) well
(c) okay

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #253 "Good, Well and Okay Test (1)", answer 4

You look great! That new outfit looks good on you.

Correct answer: (a) good
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hello,

i am a english student who just has few time in this quite beatiful language and i would like to know the difference about good,well,fine and o.k.please

aforehand thank you for the effort.
regards
Roger Gutierrez

[Mister Micawber]

.
'Looks' here is a linking verb, so an adjective is needed; therefore 'well' cannot be used ('well' as an adverb and 'good' as an adjective have the same meaning in terms of excellence). 'OK' here is what we call faint praise-- it means 'not bad', 'so-so', or 'a little bit good'. Since the previous sentence says 'You look great!', 'OK' is not strong enough praise, so it is also inappropriate here.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Magickster]

Just to add to the aforementioned reply. It's a great idea to learn the definitions of a noun, verb, adverb, adjective etc, so you are better equiped at picking the meanings of words. These are the a basic of language.

[Kati Svaby]

Many thanks Mister Micawber for the clear explanation. I didn't know till now that after a linking verb we have to use an adjective. If in the sentence I would say : This new dress fit well on you. I could use "well" adverb because "fit " isn't a linking verb.
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