how is it correct: I'm fine (well), or I'm good
-
2I wonder if you might have asked this on English Language Learners, had you known that site existed.– J.R.Nov 11, 2013 at 12:02
-
See also: english.stackexchange.com/q/122799– KrisNov 11, 2013 at 13:08
-
"how is it correct" makes it seem an awful like you're asking grammatically.– deadNov 11, 2013 at 13:10
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
"I am well"
This is the most formal/correct form of the common phrase. Literally it means, "I am in good health, spirits, state of mind, etc."
"I am fine"
This means essentially the same thing, is more colloquial, and might be used to indicate a lesser degree of wellness than "I am well."
"I am good"
The word "good" is often used as a synonym for "well" or "fine" in this context, but strictly speaking, "good" speaks of an attribute, while "well" and "fine" speak of condition. The definitions of "good" and "well" demonstrate these differences well.
So, strictly speaking, to say "I am good" is to say "I am a good person. I am of good moral character, etc."
Although people like to label "I'm good" as some sort of terrible "Americanism," the fact is that "I'm fine," "I'm well," and "I'm good" are all grammatically correct, as a quick Google search will reveal. But don't bother with that. Just think about it—"I'm good" is really just nothing more than "I am good" and there's obviously nothing wrong with that.
That said, it may be best to avoid "I'm good" in more formal contexts just for convention's sake.
