Cool MateClearly vs Of course
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clearly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Of course
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Clearly | Of course | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈklɪəli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈklɪrli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //əv kɔːs//🇺🇸 //əv kɔrs// |
| Meaning | in a way that is easy to see or understand | Definitely, it's obvious. |
| Example | She explained the instructions clearly to the new employees. | Are you joining us for dinner tonight? Of course! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | clearly understand, clearly communicate, clearly see, clearly state, clearly defined | of course not, of course yes, of course you can, of course it is |
| Antonyms | unclearly, obscurely, ambiguous | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'clear' instead of 'clearly' as an adverb., Confusing 'clearly' with 'clearer' which is a comparative form., Omitting it in sentences where emphasis is needed. | Using it in formal writing where a different expression is needed., Confusing it with other affirmations like 'certainly' or 'definitely'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clearly' to emphasize that something is understandable or obvious. It is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but may seem overly formal in casual conversations. | Used in informal and formal situations to affirm something obvious. Avoid in highly formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clearly vs Of course
What's the difference between Clearly and Of course?
Clearly: in a way that is easy to see or understand Of course: Definitely, it's obvious.
Can you show an example of each?
Clearly: She explained the instructions clearly to the new employees. Of course: Are you joining us for dinner tonight? Of course!
Can I use Clearly and Of course interchangeably?
Not always. Clearly and Of course 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.