darned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a mild expletive or to express frustration or annoyance, typically in informal contexts. Example: "I can't believe I lost my keys again; this is just darned frustrating!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He appeared on the platform looking so much the eccentric young don (he had one elbow of his coat darned red, the other green) and the power of what he delivered was stunning.

The Guardian - Books

White evangelicals, who see the Bible as the literal truth (or darned close to it), now make up 26% of the population.It is not just a matter of numbers but of confidence.

The Economist

And of course, government is darned hard: even when you make the right decision to close Guantánamo, for instance—it can take years to put into effect.So Mr Obama's underperformance is relative and partial; but it is serious, especially in domestic policy.

The Economist

First, collusion is darned difficult to prove.

The Economist

But Letterman also made light of the situation: "I know what you're saying... I'll be darned, Dave had sex".

Independent

In fact, I didn't watch it, but I did watch the subsequent furore unfold concerning the Prince's Barbour jacket: patched and mismatched, a messy mass of hanging threads and fraying seams torn apart and darned together until HRH declared he could barely move in it.

Independent

"Damaged goods" was an interesting phrase, applied to frayed knits, darned and embroidered with scribbled motifs, to fringes swaying like unravelling fabric at the hem of dresses or randomly spray-painted dresses.

Independent

"It's those darned dresses – you get a girl in that beautiful hour-glass dress, it's so definitive.

Independent

Bloom's esoteric project asks today's students to estrange themselves from an identity that they, their parents, and their teachers, along with their ministers and rabbis and shrinks, their camp counselors and art tutors and soccer coaches, have been constructing since these kids were born, and with a degree of political and moral awareness that everyone involved is darned proud of.

The New Yorker

The day was cooling rapidly — we were at five thousand feet — and in the long evening light gnats darned the air and crickets were stridulating all around us.

The New Yorker

She darned his socks and cooked his dinners.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darned" sparingly to maintain impact, as overuse can diminish its effect. Consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "darned" in formal or academic writing; opt for more neutral alternatives like "very" or "extremely" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "darned" functions primarily as an adjective or adverb, serving to intensify the meaning of the word it modifies. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, which identifies it as a minced oath. It adds emphasis to statements, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "darned" is a versatile word functioning as a mild intensifier, primarily used in informal contexts to express emphasis or annoyance. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves as a minced oath, providing a less offensive alternative to stronger language. While grammatically correct and common, especially in news and media, its use should be tempered in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "extremely" or "very" in more formal contexts. The term's effectiveness lies in its ability to add color to language without being overly offensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damned

More intense and potentially offensive alternative.

extremely

A more neutral synonym indicating a high degree.

very

A common and less emphatic alternative.

remarkably

Highlights the unusual or surprising nature of something.

awfully

Similar in tone, but can sometimes sound old-fashioned.

terribly

Implies a negative connotation or a large degree.

incredibly

Emphasizes disbelief or amazement.

exceptionally

Highlights something as being outside the norm, usually positively.

unusually

Indicates something is not typical or common.

particularly

Indicates something specific is being emphasized.

FAQs

How can I use "darned" in a sentence?

"Darned" can be used as a mild intensifier, for example, "That was "darned nice" of him" or "He's "so darned pig-headed"".

What are some alternatives to using "darned"?

Depending on the context, you could use "extremely", "very", or even the stronger term "damned" if appropriate.

Is "darned" considered a swear word?

No, "darned" is generally considered a minced oath, a euphemistic substitute for stronger profanities like "damned". It's less offensive and more suitable for general use.

What is the difference between "darned" and "damned"?

"Darned" is a milder, less offensive version of "damned". Use "darned" when you want to express frustration or emphasis without using strong language.