Defending "I'm Good"

How many of us are asked how we are doing, instantly reply with "I'm good," then shudder at the thought that people are silently chastising us on our seemingly grammatically incorrect answer. Well, turns out, we're all just fine!

Grammar Girl goes after the "I'm good" response and the naysayers who say it's wrong. She goes so far as to analyze the use of adverb vs. adjective in a very easy to understand way. This is one of the reasons I really enjoy reading, and listening, to GG. She's efficient and helps explain tough situations. Whether it's just a brief refresher or you're really interested in figuring out what's what in grammar and editing, these are great articles to peruse.

Here's the link to GG's . Good vs Well article.

And a summary:

It has to do with the difference between an adverb and adjective as well as the function of the "to be" linking verb. A linking verb connects words together. So think of "I am good." The linking verb is connecting "I" and "good." So here's why it's okay to say "I'm good." She says, adjectives CAN be used after linking verbs, where they become predicate adjectives and modify the nouns before the linking verbs (in this case "I"). So, good is thus an acceptable predicate adjective in the phrase, "I'm good." Besides, she says, "I am well," typically refers to health rather than a general feeling.

But remember to only use this with linking verbs... Trying to say "I write good" is definitely cringe-worthy. Just say no people!