Cool MateObviously vs Of course I read it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Obviously
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adverb
Of course I read it
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Obviously
| Obviously | Of course I read it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɒbviəsli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɑːbviəsli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //əv kɔːs aɪ rɛd ɪt//🇺🇸 //əv kɔrs aɪ rɛd ɪt// |
| Meaning | Clearly or easily seen. | It's natural for me to have read it. |
| Example | Obviously, we don't want to spend too much money. | Of course I read it; it was really interesting! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | obviously correct, obviously wrong, obviously happy, obviously important, obviously true | Of course I agree, Of course I know, Of course you can |
| Antonyms | unclearly, ambiguously | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Obvious' vs 'obviously': Confusing the adjective and adverb forms., Using in overly formal situations: It's too casual for very formal writing., Placing it too far from what it's describing: Should be close to the idea it clarifies. | Using 'of course' in contexts where it's not obvious, making it sound condescending., Misplacing the phrase in sentences, losing its intended emphasis., Translating directly from another language, which may sound awkward. |
| Usage notes | Use 'obviously' when something is clear or evident. It's appropriate in most contexts but can seem sarcastic if overused. | Use this phrase to express a natural understanding or expectation. It's typically informal but can be slightly formal in certain contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Obviously vs Of course I read it
What's the difference between Obviously and Of course I read it?
Obviously: Clearly or easily seen. Of course I read it: It's natural for me to have read it.
Which is more common: Obviously and Of course I read it?
Obviously is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Obviously: Obviously, we don't want to spend too much money. Of course I read it: Of course I read it; it was really interesting!
Can I use Obviously and Of course I read it interchangeably?
Not always. Obviously and Of course I read it 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.