pretty darn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty darn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an informal way to emphasize something, often conveying a sense of mild surprise or strong feeling. Example: "I thought the movie was pretty darn good, much better than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's pretty darn frustrating".

The New York Times

Pretty darn great!

The New York Times

He's pretty darn good".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's pretty darn strong.

The New York Times

Pretty darn high.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's pretty darn expensive.

The New York Times

He's pretty darn sharp.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've done pretty darn well.

The New York Times

And I'm pretty darn healthy".

The New York Times

So, that's pretty darn good".

The New York Times - Sports

And it's pretty darn interesting".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty darn" to add emphasis in informal contexts, like casual conversations or blog posts. However, avoid it in formal writing, where more sophisticated vocabulary is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty darn" in academic papers or professional reports. It is too informal and can undermine the credibility of your writing. Opt for alternatives like "very", "extremely", or "remarkably".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty darn" functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to express a strong degree. Ludwig shows examples like "pretty darn good" or "pretty darn well", indicating its role in amplifying the quality or manner of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty darn" is a common and informal way to add emphasis to adjectives or adverbs. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and mostly used in contexts like news and media. While acceptable in casual conversations and informal writing, it should be avoided in formal or academic settings where more sophisticated language is expected. Alternatives like "very", "quite", or "really" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really

Similar in intensity but more versatile and widely applicable.

very

A simple intensifier, less colloquial than "pretty darn".

incredibly

Similar in intensity, conveying a sense of surprise or disbelief.

quite

More formal and less emphatic than "pretty darn".

awfully

Similar level of formality as "pretty darn", but can sometimes imply negativity.

extremely

More formal and intense than "pretty darn".

terribly

Similar to "awfully", carries a slightly stronger connotation.

remarkably

More formal, emphasizing the unusual or noteworthy nature of something.

exceptionally

Highlights something as being beyond the ordinary.

considerably

Indicates a noticeable degree or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty darn" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty darn" to emphasize an adjective or adverb, like in the sentence "That movie was "pretty darn good"" or "He plays the guitar "pretty darn well"".

What can I say instead of "pretty darn"?

You can use alternatives like "quite", "very", or "really" depending on the context.

Is "pretty darn" formal or informal?

"Pretty darn" is considered an informal expression. It's best suited for casual conversations and less formal writing. Avoid using it in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "pretty darn" and "very"?

"Pretty darn" is more emphatic and expressive than "very". While "very" is appropriate for most situations, "pretty darn" adds a touch of informality and heightened emphasis.