Of course vs Yeah sure
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Of course
Top 1,000 (very common)
Yeah sure
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Of courseMost common: Of course
| Of course | Yeah sure | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əv kɔːs//🇺🇸 //əv kɔrs// | 🇬🇧 //jɛː ʃʊə//🇺🇸 //jæ ʃʊr// |
| Meaning | Definitely, it's obvious. | A way to agree or say yes casually. |
| Example | Are you joining us for dinner tonight? Of course! | Can you help me with this project? Yeah sure! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | of course not, of course yes, of course you can, of course it is | Yeah sure, why not, Yeah sure, I'll do it, Yeah sure, let's go |
| Common mistakes | Using it in formal writing where a different expression is needed., Confusing it with other affirmations like 'certainly' or 'definitely'. | Using in formal contexts, like job interviews., Confusing with 'yes' in all situations., Not using appropriate tone to convey enthusiasm. |
| Usage notes | Used in informal and formal situations to affirm something obvious. Avoid in highly formal writing. | Used in informal conversations to agree. Avoid in formal settings. Shows enthusiasm or casual acceptance. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Of course vs Yeah sure
What's the difference between Of course and Yeah sure?
Of course: Definitely, it's obvious. Yeah sure: A way to agree or say yes casually.
Which is more formal: Of course and Yeah sure?
Of course is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Of course and Yeah sure?
Of course is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Of course: Are you joining us for dinner tonight? Of course! Yeah sure: Can you help me with this project? Yeah sure!
Can I use Of course and Yeah sure interchangeably?
Not always. Of course and Yeah sure 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.