Will vs. Well: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Will" is primarily used as a modal verb indicating future action or a noun meaning determination. "Well" serves mainly as an adverb to indicate good quality or condition, or as a noun denoting a water source. Both are different in meaning and grammatical
Key Differences
"Will" is predominantly used as a modal verb to indicate future actions or events. It expresses intention, prediction, or inevitability. "Well," on the other hand, can act as an adverb to modify verbs, suggesting that something is done in a satisfactory manner. While "will" points to the future, "well" evaluates the present or past.
The word "will" can also be a noun, denoting a person’s intent or volition. This use of "will" can describe the determination behind actions. "Well" in its noun form, typically refers to a source of water dug from the ground. Here, "will" addresses psychological facets, whereas "well" pertains to a physical structure.
In grammar, "will" plays a role as a helping verb and is used with the base form of the main verb. "Well," when used as an adverb, usually follows the main verb or the object. For example, "She will sing" features "will" as a modal verb, whereas "She sings well" employs "well" as an adverb.
Both "will" and "well" can appear in idiomatic expressions. Phrases like "will power" and "well-wisher" demonstrate the versatility of these words. "Will" focuses on the capability to make choices, while "well" generally centers on positive quality or intent.
In summary, "will" and "well" serve different functions in a sentence and convey different meanings. "Will" typically indicates future actions or intention, and "well" often describes the manner or quality of an action. The choice between "will" and "well" depends on the grammatical and semantic needs of a sentence.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Modal verb or noun
Adverb, adjective, or noun
Meaning
Future action, intention, or determination
Good quality, good condition, or water source
Context of Usage
Describes future events or psychological states
Describes quality, condition, or physical sources
Position in Sentence
Usually precedes the main verb
Follows the main verb or object
Idiomatic Expressions
Appears in idioms like "will power"
Appears in idioms like "well-wisher"
ADVERTISEMENT
Will and Well Definitions
Will
A declaration of intention.
His will to succeed is strong.
Well
A source of water or oil from the ground.
The well provides fresh water.
Will
To give consent.
I will allow it.
Well
Suitable or appropriate.
All is well that ends well.
Will
The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action
Championed freedom of will against a doctrine of predetermination.
Well
A deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth to obtain water, oil, gas, or brine.
Will
Diligent purposefulness; determination
An athlete with the will to win.
Well
A container or reservoir for a liquid, such as ink.
Will
Self-control; self-discipline
Lacked the will to overcome the addiction.
Well
A place where water issues from the earth; a spring or fountain.
Will
A desire, purpose, or determination, especially of one in authority
It is the sovereign's will that the prisoner be spared.
Well
A mineral spring.
Will
Deliberate intention or wish
Let it be known that I took this course of action against my will.
Well
Wells A watering place; a spa.
Will
Free discretion; inclination or pleasure
Wandered about, guided only by will.
Well
An abundant source
A well of information.
Will
Bearing or attitude toward others; disposition
Full of good will.
Well
An open space extending vertically through the floors of a building, as for stairs or ventilation.
Will
A legal declaration of how a person wishes their personal possessions to be disposed of after death.
Well
An enclosure in a ship's hold for the pumps.
Will
A legally executed document containing this declaration.
Well
A compartment or recessed area in a ship, used for stowage
An anchor well.
Will
To decide on or intend
He can finish the race if he wills it.
Well
A part of a ship's weather deck enclosed between two watertight bulkheads.
Will
To yearn for; desire
“She makes you will your own destruction” (George Bernard Shaw).
Well
A cistern with a perforated bottom in the hold of a fishing vessel for keeping fish alive.
Will
To decree, dictate, or order
Believed that the outcome was willed by the gods.
Well
An enclosed space for receiving and holding something, such as the wheels of an airplane when retracted.
Will
To induce or try to induce by sheer force of will
We willed the sun to come out.
Well
Chiefly British The central space in a law court, directly in front of the judge's bench, where the counsel or solicitor sits.
Will
To grant in a legal will; bequeath
Willed his fortune to charity.
Well
To rise to the surface, ready to flow
Tears welled in my eyes.
Will
To order to direct in a legal will
She willed that her money be given to charity.
Well
To rise or surge from an inner source
Anger welled up in me.
Will
To exercise the will.
Well
To pour forth.
Will
To make a choice; choose
Do as you will.
Well
In a good or proper manner
Behaved well.
Will
To wish; desire
Do what you will. Sit here if you will. See Usage Note at shall.
Well
Skillfully or proficiently
Dances well.
Will
(auxiliary) Used to express the future tense, sometimes with some implication of volition when used in the first person. Compare shall.
One of our salesmen will visit you tomorrow.
I will pass this exam.
Well
Satisfactorily or sufficiently
Slept well.
Will
(auxiliary) To be able to, to have the capacity to.
Unfortunately, only one of these gloves will actually fit over my hand.
Well
Successfully or effectively
Gets along well with people.
Will
(auxiliary) Expressing a present tense with some conditional or subjective weakening: "will turn out to", "must by inference".
He will be home by now. He always gets home before 6 o'clock.
I can't find my umbrella. I will have forgotten it home this morning.
Well
In a comfortable or affluent manner
Lived well.
Will
(auxiliary) To habitually do (a given action).
Boys will be boys.
Well
In a manner affording benefit or gain; advantageously
Married well.
Will
(auxiliary) To choose or agree to (do something); used to express intention but without any temporal connotations (+ bare infinitive), often in questions and negation.
Will you marry me?
I’ve told him three times, but he won’t take his medicine.
Well
With reason or propriety; reasonably
Can't very well say no.
Will
To wish, desire (something).
Do what you will.
Well
In all likelihood; indeed
You may well need your umbrella.
Will
To wish or desire (that something happen); to intend (that).
Well
In a prudent or sensible manner
You would do well to say nothing more.
Will
(archaic) Implying will go.
Well
In a close or familiar manner
Knew them well.
Will
To instruct (that something be done) in one's will.
Well
In a favorable or approving manner
Spoke well of them.
Will
(transitive) To bequeath (something) to someone in one's will (legal document).
He willed his stamp collection to the local museum.
Well
Thoroughly; completely
Well cooked.
Cooked well.
Will
(transitive) To exert one's force of will (intention) in order to compel, or attempt to compel, something to happen or someone to do something.
All the fans were willing their team to win the game.
Well
Perfectly; clearly
I well understand your intentions.
Will
One's independent faculty of choice; the ability to be able to exercise one's choice or intention.
Of course, man's will is often regulated by his reason.
Well
To a suitable or appropriate degree
This product will answer your needs equally well.
Will
The act of choosing to do something; a person’s conscious intent or volition.
Most creatures have a will to live.
Well
To a considerable extent or degree
Well over the estimate.
Will
One's intention or decision; someone's orders or commands.
Eventually I submitted to my parents' will.
Well
With care or attention
Listened well.
Will
Firmity of purpose, fixity of intent
Well
Entirely; fully
Well worth seeing.
Will
(law) A formal declaration of one's intent concerning the disposal of one's property and holdings after death; the legal document stating such wishes.
Well
In a satisfactory condition; right or proper
All is well.
Will
(archaic) That which is desired; one's wish.
Well
Not ailing, infirm, or diseased; healthy.
Will
(archaic) Desire, longing. (Now generally merged with later senses.)
He felt a great will to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Well
Cured or healed, as a wound.
Will
The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty of preferring or selecting one of two or more objects.
It is necessary to form a distinct notion of what is meant by the word "volition" in order to understand the import of the word will, for this last word expresses the power of mind of which "volition" is the act.
Will is an ambiguous word, being sometimes put for the faculty of willing; sometimes for the act of that faculty, besides [having] other meanings. But "volition" always signifies the act of willing, and nothing else.
Appetite is the will's solicitor, and the will is appetite's controller; what we covet according to the one, by the other we often reject.
The will is plainly that by which the mind chooses anything.
Well
Of or characterized by the maintenance of good health practices. Often used in combination
A well-baby clinic.
A well-child visit to the doctor.
Will
The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.
The word "will," however, is not always used in this its proper acceptation, but is frequently substituted for "volition", as when I say that my hand mover in obedience to my will.
Well
Advisable; prudent
It would be well not to ask.
Will
The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.
Thy will be done.
Our prayers should be according to the will of God.
Well
Fortunate; good
It is well that you stayed.
Will
Strong wish or inclination; desire; purpose.
My poverty, but not my will, consents; . . . Put this in any liquid thing you will,And drink it off.
Well
Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation.
Will
That which is strongly wished or desired.
What's your will, good friar?
The mariner hath his will.
Well
Used to express surprise.
Will
Arbitrary disposal; power to control, dispose, or determine.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies.
Well
(manner) Accurately, competently, satisfactorily.
He does his job well.
Will
The legal declaration of a person's mind as to the manner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death; the written instrument, legally executed, by which a man makes disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death; testament; devise. See the Note under Testament, 1.
Well
(manner) Completely, fully.
A well done steak
We’re well beat now.
Will
To wish; to desire; to incline to have.
A wife as of herself no thing ne sholde [should]Wille in effect, but as her husband wolde [would].
Caleb said unto her, What will thou ?
They would none of my counsel.
Well
(degree) To a significant degree.
That author is well known.
A monument well worth seeing
Will
As an auxiliary, will is used to denote futurity dependent on the verb. Thus, in first person, "I will" denotes willingness, consent, promise; and when "will" is emphasized, it denotes determination or fixed purpose; as, I will go if you wish; I will go at all hazards. In the second and third persons, the idea of distinct volition, wish, or purpose is evanescent, and simple certainty is appropriately expressed; as, "You will go," or "He will go," describes a future event as a fact only. To emphasize will denotes (according to the tone or context) certain futurity or fixed determination.
I am able to devote as much time and attention to other subjects as I will [shall] be under the necessity of doing next winter.
A countryman, telling us what he had seen, remarked that if the conflagration went on, as it was doing, we would [should] have, as our next season's employment, the Old Town of Edinburgh to rebuild.
I feel assured that I will [shall] not have the misfortune to find conflicting views held by one so enlightened as your excellency.
Well
Very (as a general-purpose intensifier).
Will
To be willing; to be inclined or disposed; to be pleased; to wish; to desire.
And behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus . . . touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.
Well
In a desirable manner; so as one could wish; satisfactorily; favourably; advantageously.
Will
To form a distinct volition of; to determine by an act of choice; to ordain; to decree.
By all law and reason, that which the Parliament will not, is no more established in this kingdom.
Two things he [God] willeth, that we should be good, and that we should be happy.
Well
In good health.
I had been sick, but now I'm well.
Will
To enjoin or command, as that which is determined by an act of volition; to direct; to order.
They willed me say so, madam.
Send for music,And will the cooks to use their best of cunningTo please the palate.
As you go, will the lord mayor . . . To attend our further pleasure presently.
Well
(hypercorrect) Good, content.
“How are you?” — “I'm well, thank you!”
Will
To give or direct the disposal of by testament; to bequeath; to devise; as, to will one's estate to a child; also, to order or direct by testament; as, he willed that his nephew should have his watch.
Well
(uncommon) Prudent; good; well-advised.
Will
To exercise an act of volition; to choose; to decide; to determine; to decree.
At Winchester he lies, so himself willed.
He that shall turn his thoughts inward upon what passes in his own mind when he wills.
I contend for liberty as it signifies a power in man to do as he wills or pleases.
Well
Good to eat; tasty, delicious.
Will
The capability of conscious choice and decision and intention;
The exercise of their volition we construe as revolt
Well
(Hiberno-English) Used as a greeting
Well lads. How's things?
Will
A fixed and persistent intent or purpose;
Where there's a will there's a way
Well
A hole sunk into the ground as a source of water, oil, natural gas or other fluids.
Will
A legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die
Well
A place where a liquid such as water surfaces naturally; a spring.
Will
Decree or ordain;
God wills our existence
Well
A small depression suitable for holding liquid or other objects.
Make a well in the dough mixture and pour in the milk.
Will
Have in mind;
I will take the exam tomorrow
Well
(figurative) A source of supply.
Will
Determine by choice;
This action was willed and intended
Well
(nautical) A vertical, cylindrical trunk in a ship, reaching down to the lowest part of the hull, through which the bilge pumps operate.
Will
Leave or give by will after one's death;
My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry
My grandfather left me his entire estate
Well
(nautical) The cockpit of a sailboat.
Will
A modal verb indicating future action.
She will travel tomorrow.
Well
(nautical) A compartment in the middle of the hold of a fishing vessel, made tight at the sides, but having holes perforated in the bottom to let in water to keep fish alive while they are transported to market.
Will
To desire or wish for something.
Will you have coffee?
Well
(nautical) A vertical passage in the stern into which an auxiliary screw propeller may be drawn up out of the water.
Will
To be capable of some action.
This knife will cut paper easily.
Well
(military) A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Well
(architecture) An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Well
The open space between the bench and the counsel tables in a courtroom.
Well
(metalworking) The lower part of a furnace, into which the metal falls.
Well
A well drink.
They're having a special tonight: $1 wells.
Well
(video games) The playfield of Tetris and similar video games, into which the blocks fall.
Well
(biology) In a microtiter plate, each of the small equal circular or square sections which serve as test tubes.
Well
(intransitive) To issue forth, as water from the earth; to flow; to spring.
Well
(intransitive) To have something seep out of the surface.
Her eyes welled with tears.
Well
An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain.
Begin, then, sisters of the sacred well.
Well
A pit or hole sunk into the earth to such a depth as to reach a supply of water, generally of a cylindrical form, and often walled with stone or bricks to prevent the earth from caving in.
The woman said unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep.
Well
A shaft made in the earth to obtain oil or brine.
Well
Fig.: A source of supply; fountain; wellspring.
Dan Chaucer, well of English undefiled.
A well of serious thought and pure.
Well
An inclosure in the middle of a vessel's hold, around the pumps, from the bottom to the lower deck, to preserve the pumps from damage and facilitate their inspection.
Well
A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Well
An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Well
The lower part of a furnace, into which the metal falls.
Well
To issue forth, as water from the earth; to flow; to spring.
From his two springs in Gojam's sunny realm,Pure welling out, he through the lucid lakeOf fair Dambea rolls his infant streams.
Well
To pour forth, as from a well.
Well
In a good or proper manner; justly; rightly; not ill or wickedly.
If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
Well
Suitably to one's condition, to the occasion, or to a proposed end or use; suitably; abundantly; fully; adequately; thoroughly.
Lot . . . beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere.
WE are wellable to overcome it.
She looketh well to the ways of her household.
Servant of God, well done! well hast thou foughtThe better fight.
Well
Fully or about; - used with numbers.
Well nine and twenty in a company.
Well
In such manner as is desirable; so as one could wish; satisfactorily; favorably; advantageously; conveniently.
KnowIn measure what the mind may well contain.
All the world speaks well of you.
Well
Considerably; not a little; far.
Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age.
Well
Good in condition or circumstances; desirable, either in a natural or moral sense; fortunate; convenient; advantageous; happy; as, it is well for the country that the crops did not fail; it is well that the mistake was discovered.
It was well with us in Egypt.
Well
Being in health; sound in body; not ailing, diseased, or sick; healthy; as, a well man; the patient is perfectly well.
Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake?
Well
Being in favor; favored; fortunate.
He followed the fortunes of that family, and was well with Henry the Fourth.
Well
Safe; as, a chip warranted well at a certain day and place.
Well
A deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
Well
A cavity or vessel used to contain liquid
Well
An abundant source;
She was a well of information
Well
An open shaft through the floors of a building (as for a stairway)
Well
An enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane's landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship's pumps
Well
Come up;
Tears well in her eyes
Well
In good health especially after having suffered illness or injury;
Appears to be entirely well
The wound is nearly well
A well man
I think I'm well; at least I feel well
Well
Resulting favorably;
Its a good thing that I wasn't there
It is good that you stayed
It is well that no one saw you
All's well that ends well
Well
Wise or advantageous and hence advisable;
It would be well to start early
Well
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well');
The children behaved well
A task well done
The party went well
He slept well
A well-argued thesis
A well-planned party
The baby can walk pretty good
Well
Thoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form;
The problem is well understood
She was well informed
Shake well before using
In order to avoid food poisoning be sure the meat is well cooked
Well-done beef
Well-satisfied customers
Well-educated
Well
Indicating high probability; in all likelihood;
I might well do it
A mistake that could easily have ended in disaster
You may well need your umbrella
He could equally well be trying to deceive us
Well
(used for emphasis or as an intensifier) entirely or fully;
A book well worth reading
Was well aware of the difficulties ahead
Suspected only too well what might be going on
Well
To a suitable or appropriate extent or degree;
The project was well underway
The fetus has well developed organs
His father was well pleased with his grades
Well
Favorably; with approval;
Their neighbors spoke well of them
He thought well of the book
Well
To a great extent or degree;
I'm afraid the film was well over budget
Painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger
The house has fallen considerably in value
The price went up substantially
Well
With great or especially intimate knowledge;
We knew them well
Well
With prudence or propriety;
You would do well to say nothing more
Could not well refuse
Well
With skill or in a pleasing manner;
She dances well
He writes well
Well
In a manner affording benefit or advantage;
She married well
The children were settled advantageously in Seattle
Well
In financial comfort;
They live well
She has been able to live comfortably since her husband died
Well
Without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor;
Took the joke well
Took the tragic news well
Well
In a good or satisfactory manner.
She performs well.
Well
To a considerable extent or degree.
The task is well underway.
Well
An indication of good health or condition.
He looks well today.
FAQs
Can "will" be a noun?
Yes, "will" can be a noun indicating intention or determination.
How do you use "will" in a sentence?
"Will" usually precedes the base form of a verb to indicate future action.
What does "will" mean in grammar?
"Will" is mainly a modal verb used to indicate future actions.
Can "well" be a noun?
Yes, "well" can be a noun referring to a water source.
Can "well" be used idiomatically?
Yes, "well" appears in idiomatic expressions like "well-wisher."
What does "well" mean as an adverb?
As an adverb, "well" indicates that something is done in a good or satisfactory manner.
Can "well" describe health?
Yes, "well" can be an adjective indicating good health.
How do you use "well" in a sentence?
"Well" generally follows the main verb or the object as an adverb.
Can "will" be used idiomatically?
Yes, "will" appears in idiomatic expressions like "will power."
Is "will" always about the future?
Mostly yes, but it can also indicate willingness or capability.
Does "well" have multiple meanings?
Yes, "well" can indicate quality, health, or be a physical source like a water well.
Is "well" always an adverb?
No, "well" can also be an adjective or a noun.
Can "will" express permission?
Yes, in some contexts, "will" can indicate permission.
Can you replace "will" with "well"?
No, "will" and "well" serve different grammatical roles and convey different meanings.
Does "will" have multiple meanings?
Yes, "will" can mean future action, intention, or capability.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
