Is 'Really Good' Correct English Grammar?

The English language is rich and nuanced, but sometimes it can be confusing to decipher the grammatical correctness of commonly used phrases. A phrase that often sparks debate is 'really good.' This article aims to clarify the correct usage in both formal and informal contexts.

Understanding the Basics of Adjectives and Adverbs

To understand whether using 'really good' is grammatically correct, we need to revisit the difference between adjectives and adverbs. Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. This distinction is crucial in determining the appropriate placement of words in a sentence.

When 'Really Good' is Correct

The phrase 'really good' can be used correctly as an adjective. Adjectives qualify nouns, and 'really' functions as an intensifier. Examples include:

'That pie tastes really good!' — Here, 'really good' modifies the verb 'tastes,' but it functions as an adjective describing the speaker's perception of the pie.

'He did a really good job.' — In this sentence, 'really' intensifies the adjective 'good,' indicating the quality of the job performed.

By including 'really,' the sentence emphasizes the extent to which the job was good, which is a valid use of intensification in adjective form.

When 'Really Good' is Inappropriate

On the other hand, using 'really good' after a verb can be grammatically incorrect. In such cases, the appropriate adverb form should be used instead. Consider the following examples:

'The band is really good.' — Here, 'really' intensifies the adjective 'good,' modifying the quality of the band directly.

'The band sings really good.' — This sentence is problematic because 'sings' is a verb, and 'really' should modify an adverb. The correct form is 'The band sings really well,' where 'well' is the adverb modifying 'sings.

To further illustrate, let's consider a common scenario:

Incorrect: 'She sings really good.'
Correct: 'She sings really well.'

Formal and Informal Usage

It's important to note that while 'really' is not considered the most formal of intensifiers, it isn't strictly incorrect. The choice between 'really good' and 'really well' often depends on the context and formality of the communication. In more casual settings, both can be appropriate, but in formal writing or speech, 'really well' is generally preferred.

Examples of Correct Usage

To further solidify the correct usage, consider these examples:

Formal context: 'The report is exceptionally well-researched.' Here, 'well-researched' is the appropriate adverb modifying the verb 'researched.' Informal context: 'That dance is really good!' — Here, the adverbial use of 'really' is more natural in an informal setting. Formal context: 'He writes really well.' — Again, the appropriate form here uses an adverb.

Conclusion

The phrase 'really good' is not inherently incorrect; it just depends on the context of its use. Understanding the distinction between adjectives and adverbs is key to making the right grammatical choice. Whether you're writing a formal report or speaking in a casual conversation, knowing when to use 'really good' and when to use 'really well' will help you communicate more effectively and accurately.