damn good

USAGE SUMMARY

"damn good" is correct and usable in written English.
However, it is considered informal language, so it is best to use it in informal situations. For example, you could use it in a text message to a friend: "That dinner was damn good!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was damn good.

The New York Times - Sports

It's damn good theater.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pretty damn good.

The Guardian - Sport

Too damn good.

The New Yorker

"He's just damn good".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a damn good story.

The Guardian

That is pretty damn good.

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously it's pretty damn good.

The Guardian - Sport

It's still pretty damn good.

Independent

Things are pretty damn good.

The New Yorker

"That's damn good!" she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Save this phrase for contexts where a standard intensifier like "very" or "extremely" feels too clinical or lacks the necessary emotional punch

Common error

Do not use "damn good" in formal reports, executive summaries or academic abstracts where objective language is required. In these cases, the intensifier "damn" can undermine your credibility by appearing too subjective or unprofessional. Instead, opt for precise descriptors such as "highly effective" or "exceptional".

Linguistic Context

In this phrase, "damn" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying the adjective "good". According to Ludwig, it serves to amplify the positive quality of the subject. It follows the standard pattern of using mildly profane or colloquial terms to add emotional weight to an evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Lifestyle & Arts

10%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "damn good" is a highly effective, though informal, way to express strong praise. Ludwig's data demonstrates its widespread acceptance in elite journalism, appearing consistently in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it is grammatically correct as an adverb-adjective construction, its strength lies in its emotional resonance rather than technical precision. Writers should feel confident using it to add flavor to reviews and casual conversation, provided they pivot to more professional alternatives like "excellent" in formal business or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretty damn good

A common variation that slightly tempers the emphasis with a qualifying adverb

very good

Standard, neutral intensifier lacking the colloquial punch of the original

bloody good

A similar informal intensifier, primarily used in British English

remarkably good

Adds a sense of surprise or note-worthiness to the quality

exceptionally good

More formal and precise while maintaining a high level of praise

superb

A single-word adjective that carries a similar weight of high-tier quality

excellent

The standard high-quality descriptor suitable for any register

impressive

Shifts the focus from a general quality to the effect the subject has on the observer

outstanding

Professional alternative that implies the subject stands out from others

mighty fine

A more regional or folksy alternative that conveys high quality informally

FAQs

Is it professional to use "damn good" in an email?

It depends on the relationship. In a casual internal email to a close colleague, it is acceptable. However, for external clients or senior leadership, it is better to use "excellent" or "highly satisfactory".

What is a more formal way to say "damn good"?

You can use terms like "exceptional", "extraordinary", or "of superior quality" depending on what you are describing.

Is "damn good" considered a swear word?

While "damn" is technically a mild profanity, in the phrase "damn good" it is widely viewed as a harmless intensifier in most modern Western cultures, though it remains informal.

Can I use "damn good" in academic writing?

Generally, no. Academic writing requires objective and precise language. Use "notable" or "significant" to describe high quality instead of subjective intensifiers.