Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

ADVERBS, ADJECTIVES

534

Really, real

534a

In informal spoken AmE, really as a modifier of adjectives and other adverbs is

often used without the -ly ending, in its adjective form. This is sometimes

considered non-standard by traditionalists:

They were 

real nice to us. The President of the company took us and showed us

around. 

(AmE)

We all get along 

real well. 

(AmE)

886 | Appendix: North American English grammar

Cambridge Grammar of English

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Well, good

534b

Similarly, good is often used in informal spoken AmE where BrE requires well.

However, the AmE form is increasingly heard in BrE:

Well I made it through college you know just cramming before the test kind of

thing but I always did 

good so I never had a problem with that part. 

(AmE)

A: Hi, how’re you doing?

B: I’m good. 

(AmE)