Cool MateDefinitely vs Of course you are
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definitely
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Of course you are
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Definitely
| Definitely | Of course you are | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdefɪnətli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //əv kɔːs juː ɑː//🇺🇸 //əv kɔrəs ju ɑr// |
| Meaning | For sure, without a doubt | A way to say someone is right or true. |
| Example | I definitely remember sending the letter. | Are you joining us for dinner? |
| 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 | Of course you are right, Of course you are welcome, Of course you are invited |
| Antonyms | doubtfully, uncertainly | - |
| Common mistakes | Often confused with 'defiantly' which means resisting authority., Sometimes spelled incorrectly as 'definately'. | 'Of course you are' can be confused with 'Indeed, you are' which is more formal., Some learners may use it sarcastically without realizing the tone., Learners might omit the 'you' and say just 'Of course' incorrectly. |
| 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. | Used to confirm someone's statement or belief. It’s friendly and supportive. Avoid in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Definitely vs Of course you are
What's the difference between Definitely and Of course you are?
Definitely: For sure, without a doubt Of course you are: A way to say someone is right or true.
Which is more common: Definitely and Of course you are?
Definitely is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Definitely: I definitely remember sending the letter. Of course you are: Are you joining us for dinner?
Can I use Definitely and Of course you are interchangeably?
Not always. Definitely and Of course you are 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.