Damned good vs Remarkable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Damned good
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Remarkable
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Most formal: RemarkableMost common: Remarkable
| Damned good | Remarkable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dæmd ɡʊd//🇺🇸 //dæmd ɡʊd// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very good or excellent. | Very special or unusual, worth noticing. |
| Example | If you think that movie was boring, you should check it out; it's actually damned good. | The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | damned good time, damned good deal, damned good job | be, seem, absolutely, just, most, for |
| Antonyms | - | ordinary, unremarkable, mundane |
| Common mistakes | Used in formal contexts where it's inappropriate., Misunderstood as overly negative due to the word 'damned'., Confused with other expressions of praise. | Confused with 'remarkable' and 'notable', which have subtle differences in connotation., Using 'remarkable' in a negative context, which doesn't fit its positive meaning., Overusing it; it can sound exaggerated if used too frequently. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used in casual conversations to express strong approval; it can be considered slightly vulgar depending on the audience. | Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is impressive, surprising, or extraordinary. It is neutral in tone, so it can be used in most contexts, including both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice. |
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Frequently asked questions: Damned good vs Remarkable
What's the difference between Damned good and Remarkable?
Damned good: Very good or excellent. Remarkable: Very special or unusual, worth noticing.
Which is more formal: Damned good and Remarkable?
Remarkable is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Damned good and Remarkable?
Remarkable is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Damned good: If you think that movie was boring, you should check it out; it's actually damned good. Remarkable: The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever.
Can I use Damned good and Remarkable interchangeably?
Not always. Damned good and Remarkable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.