Cool MateDefinitely vs Yes of course
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definitely
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Yes of course
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Definitely
| Definitely | Yes of course | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jɛs əv kɔːs//🇺🇸 //jɛs əv kɔrs// |
| Meaning | For sure, without a doubt | An affirmation or agreement to something. |
| Example | I definitely remember sending the letter. | Can you help me with this project? Yes, of course! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | definitely agree, definitely believe, definitely know | Yes of course, Sure, yes of course, Absolutely, yes of course |
| Antonyms | doubtfully, uncertainly | - |
| Common mistakes | Often confused with 'defiantly' which means resisting authority., Sometimes spelled incorrectly as 'definately'. | 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 | Use 'definitely' to emphasize certainty. It fits well in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where alternatives like 'certainly' might be more suitable. | 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: Definitely vs Yes of course
What's the difference between Definitely and Yes of course?
Definitely: For sure, without a doubt Yes of course: An affirmation or agreement to something.
Which is more common: Definitely and Yes of course?
Definitely is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Definitely: I definitely remember sending the letter. Yes of course: Can you help me with this project? Yes, of course!
Can I use Definitely and Yes of course interchangeably?
Not always. Definitely 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.