Cool MateNo doubt about it vs Undoubtedly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
No doubt about it
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Undoubtedly
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)C1adverb
Most formal: UndoubtedlyMost common: Undoubtedly
| No doubt about it | Undoubtedly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ daʊt əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //noʊ daʊt əˈbaʊt ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli//🇺🇸 //ʌnˈdaʊtədli// |
| Meaning | It is certain. | Definitely; without a doubt. |
| Example | She is, no doubt about it, the best candidate for the job. | She is undoubtedly the best candidate for the position. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | have no doubt about it, leave no doubt about it, there's no doubt about it | undoubtedly true, undoubtedly clear, undoubtedly helpful |
| Antonyms | - | doubtfully, questionably, uncertainly |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly formal contexts where simpler affirmatives are better., Confusing with phrases like 'no question about it' which can imply more uncertainty., Mispronouncing and rushing, making it sound unclear. | Confused with 'undoubtably', which is incorrect., Omitting it when certainty is implied., Using it in informal contexts where 'definitely' is more suitable. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used in informal conversation to express certainty. It's suitable for most contexts but can be avoided in very formal writing. | Used to emphasize certainty or strong belief; typically in formal writing or speeches, not common in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: No doubt about it vs Undoubtedly
What's the difference between No doubt about it and Undoubtedly?
No doubt about it: It is certain. Undoubtedly: Definitely; without a doubt.
Which is more formal: No doubt about it and Undoubtedly?
Undoubtedly is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: No doubt about it and Undoubtedly?
Undoubtedly is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
No doubt about it: She is, no doubt about it, the best candidate for the job. Undoubtedly: She is undoubtedly the best candidate for the position.
Can I use No doubt about it and Undoubtedly interchangeably?
Not always. No doubt about it and Undoubtedly 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.