Is the Phrase "I Hope You Are Doing Good" Correct?

Traditionally, "doing good" means engaging in positive actions, like helping others, as in a "do-gooder." However, when expressing concern for someone's well-being, happiness, and safety, the correct phrase is "I hope you are doing well." This article explores the differences between "doing good" and "doing well," to help ESL students navigate this common confusion in English.

Understanding the Phrase

"Doing Good": Traditionally, this means performing acts of kindness or charity. For example, "She is doing good by volunteering."

"Doing Well": This phrase means being in good health or spirits. For instance, "I hope you are doing well" indicates a wish for someone's well-being.

Informal vs. Formal Usage

In informal contexts, native speakers often use "doing good" to mean "doing well." For example, in casual conversations or social media, you might hear, "I hope you're doing good."

Grammar Insights

It is to be noted that "doing good" is grammatically acceptable in informal settings, while "doing well" is preferred in formal contexts. They highlighted that "well" is an adverb modifying the verb "doing," whereas "good" can also serve as an adverb in informal usage.

Examples

Formal: "I hope you are doing well."

Informal: "I hope you are doing good."

Understanding "Good" vs. "Well"

Theory

The confusion often comes from the words "good" and "well." While both can be positive, they are used differently in English.

Good: An adjective that describes a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea).

Well: An adverb that describes a verb (an action), adjective, or another adverb.

Examples

Good: She is a good singer. (Describes the noun "singer")

Well: She sings well. (Describes how she sings)

The Correct Phrase

When asking about someone's well-being or state of health, you should use "well" instead of "good."

Correct: I hope you are doing well.

Incorrect: I hope you are doing good.

Common Errors

Here are some common mistakes ESL students make:

"I hope you are doing good" should be "I hope you are doing well."

"He speaks English good" should be "He speaks English well."

"She did good on the test" should be "She did well on the test."

"The food tastes good" is correct because "good" describes the noun "food."

Notice that "good" is correct when describing nouns directly, but "well" is needed when describing actions.

Everyday Use

Using "well" correctly in everyday conversations can make your English sound more natural.

Writing a letter or email: "I hope you are doing well."

Checking on a friend: "Are you feeling well today?"

Discussing performance: "He plays soccer well."

FAQ

Can I ever use "good" to describe actions?

No, use "well" to describe actions. "Good" describes nouns.

"I hope you are doing well" formal?

Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

What if someone says "I hope you are doing good"?

They likely mean well, but the correct form is "I hope you are doing well."

Can I say "You did good"?

No, say "You did well."

Is there a time when "good" is correct?

Yes, use "good" to describe nouns directly, like "She is a good teacher."