be darn useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be darn useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to express that something would be very helpful or beneficial. Example: "If we had a new software tool, it would be darn useful for streamlining our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It goes without saying that this would be darn useful.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"And she must be darn cute because Molly is".

The New York Times

Part of the momentum, of course, is because the gender-neutral pronoun is so darn useful.

Huffington Post

When it's not quietly compiling your phone number and the phone numbers of all your friends, the Facebook Messenger app is pretty darn useful.

Huffington Post

'I'll be darned.

The Guardian

"I'll be darned, Luther, you can read!

The New York Times

In the tax world, frivolity can be darned expensive.

Forbes

You're darn tootin'.

The Guardian - Sport

You're darn right".

The New York Times

It's darn cute.

The New York Times - Tech

"Now there are darn few".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be darn useful" in informal conversations or writing where a slightly emphatic but not overly strong expression of utility is desired. It's best suited for situations where you want to sound casual and approachable.

Common error

Avoid using "be darn useful" in formal documents, academic papers, or business reports. The informal tone can undermine the seriousness and professionalism required in such contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "be extremely helpful" or "be very beneficial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be darn useful" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a subject's characteristic of being helpful or beneficial. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be darn useful" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys the idea of something being particularly helpful or beneficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for informal contexts, such as casual conversations or less formal writing. While the phrase isn't appropriate for formal or academic settings, it serves well to express utility in a friendly, approachable manner. When needing a formal tone, consider using "be extremely helpful" or "be very beneficial".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely helpful

Replaces the informal "darn" with a more formal "extremely", increasing the level of formality.

be very beneficial

Substitutes "useful" with "beneficial", offering a slightly more sophisticated tone.

be exceptionally helpful

Stresses the helpfulness to an exceptional degree.

be quite advantageous

Replaces "useful" with "advantageous" and "darn" with "quite", resulting in a more formal and strategic connotation.

be remarkably effective

Emphasizes the effectiveness of something, adding a sense of surprise or admiration.

be incredibly valuable

Highlights the value or importance of something, making it seem indispensable.

be particularly practical

Focuses on the practicality of something, suggesting it's well-suited for a specific purpose.

be supremely functional

Emphasizes functionality, making it suitable for technical or engineering contexts.

be eminently suitable

Conveys that something is highly appropriate or fitting for a given situation.

be impressively resourceful

Conveys the idea of utility through resourcefulness, which suggests clever and efficient use.

FAQs

How can I use "be darn useful" in a sentence?

You can use "be darn useful" to describe something that is very helpful or beneficial. For example, "Having a good understanding of the software can "be darn useful" in troubleshooting issues".

What are some alternatives to "be darn useful"?

Alternatives include "be extremely helpful", "be very beneficial", or "be quite advantageous". The choice depends on the level of formality required.

Is "be darn useful" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "be darn useful" is generally considered informal and is better suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In formal contexts, use more professional alternatives.

What does "be darn useful" exactly mean?

"Be darn useful" means to "be extremely helpful" or beneficial. The word "darn" is a mild intensifier, adding emphasis to the usefulness.