Language Research

well · adverb

/wel/Full view

well (IN A GOOD WAY)

A1 in a successful or satisfactory way

Dictionary examples:

I thought the team played well.

He's doing very well at school.

The shop sells well-made clothes.

They took two hours to discuss the plans and considered it time well spent.

Learner example:

I play guitar very well and I love rock! (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

Well done!

A1 used to tell someone how pleased you are about something they have done

Dictionary example:

"I passed my exam." "Well done!"

as well

A1 also

Dictionary example:

Are you going to invite Steve as well?

Learner example:

Dylma goes to school every day and work[s] as well. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

as well as

A2 in addition to

Dictionary examples:

There are soft drinks as well as coffee and tea.

They have lived in the United States as well as Britain.

Learner example:

I like pop as well as country music. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

well (TO A GREAT DEGREE)

A2 in a complete way or as much as possible

Dictionary examples:

Stir the mixture well.

I know him quite well.

Learner example:

I live in the capital city. [...] I know it very well and it will be [a] pleasure to guide you around. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Slovak)

may/might as well

B2 used to suggest doing something, often when there is nothing better to do

Dictionary examples:

We might as well walk there.

As you already know so much about the subject, you might as well skip this lecture.

Learner example:

In my opinion, you might as well ask your neighbours if they can look after your flat for one day. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

may/might/could well

B2 used to say that something is likely to be true

Dictionary examples:

She might well be the best person to ask.

He could well be at Michelle's house.

Learner example:

Laura could well imagine [that] she would stand opposite the examiners and not answer any question in the right way. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

well (CONSIDERABLY)

C1 used to emphasize some prepositions

Dictionary examples:

The results are well above/below what we expected.

Keep well away from the edge of the cliff.

It cost well over £100.

Learner example:

The hospital received well over 80% of the profits, and that as you can see is much more than just 60%. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

well (EMPHASIS)

B2 used to emphasize some adjectives

Dictionary examples:

The police are well aware of the situation.

The museum is well worth a visit.

Learner example:

Finally I would like to recommend a visit to Lampton Castle; in addition to the paintings and furniture there is now a new collection of musical instruments, which is well worth seeing. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

may/might as well do sth

C1 If you may/might as well do something, it will not spoil the situation if you do that thing.

Dictionary example:

If we're not waiting for Karen, we might as well go now.

Learner example:

I might as well go with her and if you like, you can join us too. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Turkish)

it's just as well

C1 used to say that it is lucky that something happened

Dictionary example:

It's just as well we brought an umbrella.

Learner example:

It is just as well that my friends had cars to give me a lift to the school. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

can't/couldn't very well do sth

C2 used to say that something is not a suitable or practical thing to do

Dictionary example:

I couldn't very well tell her while he was there.

Learner example:

I couldn't very well tell her that without my diaries, I'd be lost and not know who I was. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

mean well

C2 to intend to behave in a kind way

Dictionary example:

I know my parents mean well, but I wish they wouldn't interfere.

Learner example:

Although these fans might mean well, in many cases they do not appear to realise that their 'heroes' perhaps would like to be left alone. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

well · adjective

/wel/

well

A1 healthy; not ill

Dictionary examples:

You look well! - Thanks, I feel well.

He hasn't been too well lately.

When she came home from school she really didn't look well.

I'm sorry you're ill - I hope you get well soon.

Learner example:

How are you? I'm very well. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Bengali)

all is well

B1 everything is in a good or acceptable state

Dictionary example:

I hope all is well with Jack.

Learner example:

I hope all's well. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

it's just as well

B2 used to say that it is lucky that something happened

Dictionary example:

It's just as well we brought an umbrella.

Learner example:

It is just as well that my friends had cars to give me a lift to the school. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

be all very well

C1 used to show that you do not agree with something or that you are annoyed about something

Dictionary example:

It's all very well for her to say everything's fine, she doesn't have to live here.

Learner example:

That's all very well for most of the people but according to my desires [i]t's not enough. I envisage a more sophisticated flat. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

well · exclamation

/wel/

well

A1 used at the beginning of a sentence to pause slightly or to express doubt or disagreement

Dictionary examples:

You'll go, won't you? - Well, I'm not sure.

Well, what shall we do now?

Who was that? - Well, I'm afraid I can't remember her name.

Well, after that we went camping in the mountains.

Learner example:

Well, my friend, I have just seen this film but I can see it again. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

Oh well

B1 used to say that a situation cannot be changed although it might be disappointing

Dictionary example:

Oh well, it doesn't matter, I can always buy another one.

Learner example:

I always dreamed [of going] sailing, but not even a little boat [is] left, some other people [have] already booked them! Oh well. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)