Cool MateOf course vs Yes of course
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Of course
Top 1,000 (very common)
Yes of course
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Of course
| Of course | Yes of course | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əv kɔːs//🇺🇸 //əv kɔrs// | 🇬🇧 //jɛs əv kɔːs//🇺🇸 //jɛs əv kɔrs// |
| Meaning | Definitely, it's obvious. | An affirmation or agreement to something. |
| Example | Are you joining us for dinner tonight? Of course! | Can you help me with this project? Yes, of course! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | of course not, of course yes, of course you can, of course it is | Yes of course, Sure, yes of course, Absolutely, yes of course |
| Common mistakes | Using it in formal writing where a different expression is needed., Confusing it with other affirmations like 'certainly' or 'definitely'. | Using it in a sarcastic context when not intended, Saying it too formally in casual conversation, Omitting 'of' and saying just 'yes course' |
| Usage notes | Used in informal and formal situations to affirm something obvious. Avoid in highly formal writing. | Use in response to affirmatively agree with someone's request or question. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Of course vs Yes of course
What's the difference between Of course and Yes of course?
Of course: Definitely, it's obvious. Yes of course: An affirmation or agreement to something.
Which is more common: Of course and Yes of course?
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! Yes of course: Can you help me with this project? Yes, of course!
Can I use Of course and Yes of course interchangeably?
Not always. Of course and Yes 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.