Modifiers: Well

[afvatcha]

On page 73 of the 2007 Strategy Guide they mention that WELL can modify either an adjective or a noun. However, I get confused in the example:

Amy is feeling WELL. (Well is an adjective modifying the noun Amy)
Amy writes WELL. (Well is an adverb modifiying the verb writes.)

My question is if well is modifiying Amy in the first sentence why can't it be modifying Amy in the second sentence instead of writes (or vice versa, if it is modifying writes in the second sentence why not feeling the first sentence). Or, is that the point. With WELL it is difficult to distinguish if it is modifying the noun or the verb.

Sorry if this is a dumb question!

[esledge]

Not a dumb question at all.

The main point is that well can be either an adjective or an adverb, whereas good is generally used only as an adjective.

The dictionary I have handy (Random House College Dictionary, Revised Edition) says "In the speech and writing of educated people, GOOD is rarely encountered as an adverb: He did well (not good) on the test. She sees well (not good) with her new glasses. Some confusion arises because WELL can be an adjective meaning healthy."

My question is if well is modifiying Amy in the first sentence why can't it be modifying Amy in the second sentence instead of writes (or vice versa, if it is modifying writes in the second sentence why not feeling the first sentence). Or, is that the point. With WELL it is difficult to distinguish if it is modifying the noun or the verb.

If we meant for well to modify Amy in the 2nd example, I think we'd have to put well next to Amy. The verb is in the 1st example essentially equates Amy with well, in a way that the verb writes does not.

For example, we might say:
Well Amy writes more clearly than sick Amy did. (well as adjective)

As you can see, the two roles for well (adjective or adverb) means you have to make sure your intended meaning is clear!