Adjectives, nouns, and adverbs are three important parts of speech. Let us find out to which category the word “good” belongs.
The word “good” functions as an adjective as well as a noun. We do not use “good’ as an adverb.
Let us learn it comprehensively with relevant facts and examples.
When is “good” an adjective?
Adjectives are used to talk about more details about a noun or a pronoun. Let us find out when we can use “good” as an adjective.
“Good” is considered to be an adjective when it is used along with a noun to attribute specific descriptions to the noun.
The below examples will help you to identify the situations when the word “good” functions as an adjective.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. Ann is a good chef. | “Good” as an adjective is used along with the noun ‘chef’ to show that her culinary skills are of high quality. |
| 2. It is good news that you have got admitted into the university. | “Good” as an adjective is used along with the noun ‘news’ to tell us about what kind of news it was. By adding the adjective “good” we came to know that the news is a pleasant one. |
Is “good” a descriptive adjective?
We know that “good” can play the role of an adjective. Let us find out if it can be considered a descriptive adjective.
“Good” is considered a descriptive adjective because it has the ability to describe the quality of a noun and a pronoun it modifies.
When can we use “good” as a descriptive adjective?
We can use “good” as a descriptive adjective when we want to attribute qualities such as good, pleasant, favorable, etc.
Below are examples of “good” as a descriptive adjective.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. Our restaurant serves good food. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the noun ‘food’. Thus we came to know that the food is good and not bad. |
| 2. Alex has a good character. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the character of Alex. Thus it describes the quality of Alex’s character. |
| 3. It is a good evening. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the quality of the noun ‘evening’. Thus it describes the quality of the evening as pleasant. |
| 4. Radha is a good company to hang out with. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the quality of Radha’s company. Thus we came to know that George is nice to hang out with. |
| 5. Suggest a good idea to solve the issue as soon as possible. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the quality of the idea. Hence it is evident that the idea is sensible to solve the issue. |
| 6. You are blessed with a good family. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the quality of the family. Thus it conveys that the family is good. |
| 7. I need to make a good portfolio to apply for jobs. | Here “good” is a descriptive adjective. It describes the quality of the noun ‘portfolio’. Thus it says that the portfolio should be of good quality. |
Is “good” a noun?
“Good’ is certainly an adjective. Now let us find out if “good” is a noun or not.
“Good” is a noun. As a noun, it stands as a separate entity.
When can we use “good” as a noun?
We can use “good” as a noun when we want to convey meanings such as ‘pleasant’, ‘morally right, ‘beneficial’, etc.
Let us discuss some examples of “good” as a noun.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. Alex devoted his life to the good of his community. | Here, the word “good’’ is a noun. As a noun, it stands alone to convey the meaning that Alex has devoted his life for the benefit of his community |
| 2. You should keep this in mind for your good. | Here, the word “good’’ is a noun. As a noun, it stands alone to convey the meaning of ‘well-being’. |
| 3. We should teach our children the difference between good and evil | Here, the word “good’ is used as a noun. Its meaning is ‘morally right’. |
| 4. Radha cannot solve the puzzle since he is not good at Maths. | Here the word “good” plays the role of a noun. It conveys that Radha’s mathematical skills are not satisfactory. |
| 5. I can keep mum. But what good will it bring? | Here “good” is a noun that conveys the meaning ‘ advantage’. |
| 6. We all know that science is for the good of mankind. | The word “good”, as a noun conveys meanings such as ‘betterment’ and ‘benefit’. |
| 7. We sought the help of a doctor for him. Unfortunately, it did not do any good. | Here the word “good” is a noun. When “good” is a noun, it can be used with the word ‘do’.Here it conveys the meaning that seeking the help of a doctor was of no use. |
Is “good” an adverb?
We have seen how the word “good’ functions as an adjective and a noun. Let us find out if it can function as an adverb.
“Good” is not an adverb. We usually use the word “well” as the adverbial form of “good”.
When can we use “well’ as an adverb?
“Well” is used as an adverb when we need to modify a verb. Thus it tells how a particular activity is done.
Let us discuss some examples of “well” as an adverb.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. Alex plays football quite well | “Well’’ modifies the verb ‘plays’.We cannot use the word “good’’ as an adverb here. |
| 2. Rishi did well on his exam. | Here the word “well” modifies the verb ‘did’.We cannot say ‘Rishi did good on his exam’. |
| 3. Radha performed well on the stage. | “Well” as an adverb modifies the verb ‘performed’.The word “good” cannot be used as an adverb here |
| 4. He spoke well at the seminar. | “Well” modifies the verb ‘spoke’.We cannot say ‘he spoke good at the seminar’ |
| 5. Ann speaks English well. | “Well” modifies the verb ‘speak’.The word “good” cannot be used as an adverb substituting “well”. |
Conclusion
We use the word “ good” to talk about something which is pleasant and positive. It can be used as a noun and as an adjective depending on the context and the meaning.
Read more about the following: Adjective, Noun or Adverb
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Hi, My name is Ammu Shaji. I hail from Kerala. I hold a post-graduate degree in English Language and Literature. I am an Academic writer by passion and profession.