know damn well

USAGE SUMMARY

"know damn well" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It implies a sense of certainty or confidence about a certain situation. For example, you could say, "I know damn well that I'm the best candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

When Hill worries that his memory of recent events, but not of the distant past, is failing, Welles tells him, "You know damn well the early stuff is better than the late stuff.

The New Yorker

You know damn well what I want you to do.

The Washington Post

(You know damn well that you are snacking).

The Guardian - Opinion

You know damn well I don't let bikinis ride.

The Guardian - Books

And they know damn well that they're not only distributing the paper, they're shouting the headlines".

The New York Times

And I know damn well that New York isn't that easy a city to live in.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We know damned well that people in big business still behave like that".

The New York Times

"I know damned well now that his glorious improvisations must have had some effect on me and my own style," he said in another interview.

The New Yorker

"Let us quit this indecent exercise of fatuous plaints, including raising hopes, even now, with talk of 'posthumous' conferment, when you know damned well that the Nobel committee does not indulge in such tradition.

The Guardian - Books

The Chinese know damned well that, though we may be weakened, depleted and confused, America is basically still number one in the world, and they, the Chinese, are also almost a number one.

HuffPost

76% of parenting is just asking your kid, "Where did you hear that from?" 90% of parenting is asking, "Did you _?" when you know damned well that they didn't.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know damn well" to express a strong sense of certainty, often with an undertone of disbelief or frustration about a situation or someone's actions. Be mindful of the context to avoid causing offense.

Common error

While "know damn well" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal writing or professional communications where a more neutral tone is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "know perfectly well" or "am fully aware".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know damn well" functions as an idiomatic expression to emphasize that someone is fully aware of something, often with an undertone of disapproval or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically sound and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "know damn well" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong sense of certainty, often tinged with frustration or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media sources. While useful for conveying conviction, it's crucial to avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral tone is required. Alternatives like "know perfectly well" or "am fully aware" can be more appropriate in such situations. The phrase functions idiomatically to emphasize that someone is fully aware of something and is best used when the intention is to challenge or express disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know perfectly well

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of one's knowledge.

know full well

Highlights a complete awareness of the facts and implications.

am fully aware

Focuses on the speaker's consciousness and understanding of the situation.

am keenly aware

Stresses the sharpness and intensity of one's awareness.

understand completely

Highlights a comprehensive understanding without necessarily implying disbelief or skepticism.

am absolutely certain

Focuses on the speaker's confidence in the truth of something.

have no doubt

Indicates a lack of uncertainty or reservation about something.

can say with certainty

Emphasizes the speaker's ability to assert something confidently.

I'm convinced

Focuses on the speaker's state of being persuaded or assured.

I'm sure

A more casual way to express certainty or confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "know damn well" in a sentence?

You can use "know damn well" to express strong certainty, often with a hint of annoyance or disbelief. For example, "You know damn well that's not how it happened!"

What does "know damn well" imply?

The phrase "know damn well" implies that the speaker believes someone is fully aware of something, often something negative or problematic, and is perhaps trying to deny or avoid it.

Which is more appropriate, "know damn well" or "know perfectly well"?

While both phrases convey certainty, "know damn well" is more informal and can be seen as confrontational. "Know perfectly well" is a milder alternative that maintains a more neutral tone.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "know damn well"?

Yes, avoid using "know damn well" in formal writing, professional settings, or when communicating with individuals you don't know well. Opt for more polite and professional alternatives like "I am aware" or "understand completely".