WELL

Well is a discourse marker, adverb or adjective.

 Well as a discourse marker

In speaking, we often use well at the start of what we say. Its main function is to show that
we are thinking about the question that we have been asked:

A: How was your meeting?

B: Well, it’s difficult to say. I think liked our presentation but I am not sure.

A: How long would it take to drive from Dundee to here?

B: Well, let me see. I’d say it would take at least three hours, if not more.

We can use well to show a slight change in topic, or when what we are about to say is not
quite what is expected:

A: Have you found a house yet?

B: Well, we’ve stopped looking actually. Nadia’s company has offered her another
contract and we’ve decided to stay in Edinburgh for another year.
A: Did you like that book?
B: Well, it was interesting, but war stories are not really my favorite.

We can use well when we want to change what we have said slightly, or say something in
another way:

 I’m not going on a hiking holiday. I hate walking. Well, I hate being out in the cold
weather.

 Fiona is feeling better. Well, she’s much better than she was. She’ll be back to work
on Monday.
We can use well when we admit or acknowledge that something is correct or true:

A: It’ll take four hours to get to Glasgow.

B: It’ll take more than that. We’ll have to stop for a break somewhere.
A: Well, that’s true.

 Well as an adverb

We use well as an adverb when something is done to a good standard or in a good way:

 He drives very well.

 I work very well late at night.

We often use well before -ed forms, often with a hyphen:

This table isn’t very well-made.

I like my steak well-cooked. (I like my steak cooked for a long time.)

A: I’ve passed my driving test!

B: Well done.

 Well as an adjective

We use well as an adjective, normally after a linking verb such as be, look or get, to mean
‘in good health’:

A: How are you?

B: I’m very well, thanks. And you?
Are you feeling OK? You don’t look very well.
Bibliography:

 Bureman, L. (25 de July de 2011). The Write Practicce. Obtenido de

https://thewritepractice.com/how-are-you-good-vs-well/

 Press, C. U. (12 de June de 1998). Cambridge Dictionary. Obtenido de

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/discourse-markers/well

 StackExchange. (15 de March de 2013). English Language & usage. Obtenido de

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/80834/use-of-good-and-well
 VERY WELL

Very well is used to say that you agree to do something or you accept someone’s answer,
even though you might not be completely satisfied with it.

 Adverb

Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning:

 He managed the company very well.

Used to weaken the effect of certain modal verbs.

 It may very well rain this afternoon.

 I can’t very well talk to you and concentrate on sanding this at the same time.

 Interjection

Indicating acceptance, often with resignation or acquiescence, of a statement or situation.

A: I don’t want to go today.

B: very well. Let’s go tomorrow, then.

Bibliography:

 The Free Dictionary. (18 de January de 2000). Obtenido de

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/very+well

 Collinsdictionary. (15 de May de 2015). Collins. Obtenido de

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/very-well
 A LITTLE

We use a little with uncountable nouns (water, money, rice, and other).

A little means “not much but enough”.

 I’ve got a little money. I can buy some bread.

Here are some examples:

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE INTERROGATIVE

There is a little cheese. There isn’t much cheese. Is there much cheese.

There is a little tuna in the tin. Carol has got a little four. She can make a cake

Bibliography:

 Cambridge Dictionary. (12 de June de 1998). Obtenido de

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/gramatica/gramatica-britanica/quantifiers/little-
a-little-few-a-few

 Perfect English Grammar. (03 de December de 1999). Obtenido de

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/a-little-a-few.html

 Learn English Today. (11 de March de 2000). Obtenido de https://www.learn-

english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/grammar/some_any_a-little_a-few.html