of course darling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of course darling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to express agreement or affirmation, often in a warm or affectionate manner. Example: "Would you like to join us for dinner? Of course darling, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Of course, darling," she says.

The Guardian

"Of course, darling," Suzie answers.

The New Yorker

Yes, of course, darling, I'll tell Beyoncé how grateful you are".

The Guardian

"Of course, darling, you must go," Khrenov said, and the bluish whites of his eyes filled with tears.

The New Yorker

"Coq au vin, of course, darling," he retorts, and the delivery is more Carry On than Cambridge don.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, darling, you're crammed in so close together you can identify your neighbour's brand of deodorant, but the dumplings are delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So last week when friends ask if I can help their ninth-grader polish a research paper, I am momentarily flattered (and also a wee bit passive aggressive) and say of course, darlings.

HuffPost

The correct answer to this question is, of course: no, darling.

The Guardian - Arts

The Dykstra accusation is serious, of course, and Darling is also critical of others for lesser offenses.

The New York Times - Sports

Mummy's like, of course, now darling, do ask your heavenly wardrobe co-ordinator, are culottes really a thing??

The Guardian - Opinion

The tracksuit is, of course, the darling of current season menswear, be it high-end Gosha Rubchinskiy, tech-jersey at Gucci or Adidas, so the styling figures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of course darling" to convey warmth, agreement, and affection, particularly in dialogue or informal writing. Be mindful of the audience, as this phrase may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "of course darling" excessively, as it can become repetitive and sound insincere. Vary your language to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of course darling" functions primarily as an emphatic affirmation combined with a term of endearment. The 'of course' indicates strong agreement or obviousness, while 'darling' adds a layer of warmth or affection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of course darling" is a phrase used to express emphatic agreement while conveying affection or warmth. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most appropriate in informal settings and creative writing, though its overuse should be avoided to maintain sincerity. Its tone is generally affectionate, but context can shift the meaning to condescension if used inappropriately. Its prominence in news and media suggests it is more common in dialogues and quoted speech than in formal prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of course, dear

Omits "darling" for a slightly less effusive term of endearment.

yes, sweetheart

Offers a simple affirmation with a familiar term of endearment.

certainly, darling

Swaps "of course" for a more formal alternative.

certainly, dear

Replaces "of course" with a more formal affirmation and "darling" with a more traditional term of endearment.

sure, honey

Provides a casual affirmation with a sweet term of endearment.

absolutely, love

Substitutes "of course" with a stronger affirmation and "darling" with a common British endearment.

indeed, my dear

Replaces "of course" with a more sophisticated affirmation and "darling" with a classic term of endearment.

positively, sweetie

Affirms with certainty using a cute term of endearment.

naturally, my love

Emphasizes the obviousness of the agreement while using a romantic endearment.

without a doubt, dearie

Expresses strong agreement with a slightly old-fashioned term of endearment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "of course darling"?

Use "of course darling" in informal settings, such as conversations with close friends or family, where warmth and affection are desired. It is suitable in creative writing to characterize a speaker as warm, friendly, or possibly condescending depending on context.

What are some alternatives to "of course darling"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly, dear", "absolutely, love", or "yes, sweetheart" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

How can I avoid misusing "of course darling"?

Be mindful of the audience and setting. In formal or professional situations, opt for more neutral expressions of agreement. Ensure the phrase aligns with your intended tone and does not come across as insincere or patronizing.

What connotations does "of course darling" have?

"Of course darling" often implies a sense of warmth, familiarity, and agreement. However, it can also be perceived as condescending or patronizing if used inappropriately, especially by someone in a position of power or authority.