making darn sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making darn sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance of being certain or ensuring something is done correctly. Example: "Before submitting the report, I am making darn sure that all the data is accurate and up to date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also, since I always insist that my daughters seek permission before making their plans, I should at least show them the same courtesy by making darn sure they know when I expect them to join the family for an outing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I made darn sure of that".

The New York Times

So I want to make darn sure that everything comes out".

The New York Times

"I was trying to make darn sure it was someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with".

The New York Times

But with student complaints up 30%, they're going to have to make darn sure they can deliver.

The Guardian

"You had better identify your charterers and make darn sure you get the F.B.I. in on the equation if you have any doubts about them".

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Lamont, 56, with aw-shucks earnestness worthy of Ned Flanders of "The Simpsons," tells a gathering in one spot, "I'm going to make darn sure that we get this state growing again".

The New York Times

As a candidate, you should be honest, but you also have to make darn sure that your words can't be misrepresented — or, worse, accurately represented — to your disadvantage.

The New Yorker

"If we're going to give a lot of money, we'll make darn sure they spend it in a way that goes along with our intent," he told Doherty.

The New Yorker

"If we're going to give a lot of money," David Koch explained to a libertarian journalist, "we'll make darn sure they spend it in a way that goes along with our intent.

The Guardian - Opinion

His brother David, meanwhile, has been quoted saying that "if we're going to give a lot of money, we will make darn sure they spend it in a way that goes along with our intent".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making darn sure" to add emphasis when you want to express a strong degree of certainty, particularly in informal or conversational contexts. It conveys a sense of determination and thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "making darn sure" in formal writing or professional settings where a more polished and sophisticated tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "ensuring thoroughly" or "verifying completely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making darn sure" functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing the action of ensuring something is done correctly. It conveys a sense of determination and thoroughness. As Ludwig AI explains, this expression is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making darn sure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing the action of ensuring something, serving to reassure and emphasize importance. While suitable for informal contexts, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "ensuring absolutely" in professional settings. Always be mindful of your audience and the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensuring absolutely

Emphasizes the act of guaranteeing something completely, replacing the colloquial "darn" with a more formal "absolutely".

guaranteeing completely

Focuses on providing a full guarantee, substituting "making sure" with "guaranteeing" for added emphasis.

confirming with certainty

Highlights the act of verifying something to remove any doubt, differing in its focus on confirmation.

verifying thoroughly

Stresses a comprehensive verification process, changing the tone slightly to be more methodical.

ascertaining definitively

Uses a more formal tone to express establishing something without question, providing a high degree of assurance.

double-checking meticulously

Emphasizes a careful and repeated check, differing by specifying the action of checking multiple times.

leaving no stone unturned

Idiomatic expression that means to do everything possible to find something or solve a problem. It is less direct than "making darn sure".

leaving nothing to chance

Implies a proactive approach to eliminate any possibility of failure or error, by focusing on prevention.

taking every precaution

Focuses on preventative measures to ensure a positive outcome, differing in its emphasis on proactive action.

being absolutely certain

States a condition of complete certainty, shifting the focus from the action of ensuring to the state of being certain.

FAQs

How can I use "making darn sure" in a sentence?

You can use "making darn sure" to emphasize the importance of verifying something, such as "I'm "making darn sure" all the data is accurate before submitting the report".

What phrases are similar to "making darn sure"?

Similar phrases include "ensuring absolutely", "guaranteeing completely", or "verifying thoroughly".

Is "making darn sure" appropriate for formal writing?

While "making darn sure" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "ensuring thoroughly" or "confirming with certainty".

What's the difference between "making darn sure" and "making absolutely sure"?

"Making darn sure" and "making absolutely sure" are very similar, but "making darn sure" has a slightly more colloquial and emphatic tone. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.