The phrase “of course” is a common way to signal agreement or acknowledge something obvious. However, the language offers a diverse set of other ways to say “of course” that allow you to convey various nuances—from confident affirmation to enthusiastic agreement, formal consent, or even subtle reassurance.
Choosing the right phrase can significantly enhance your communication, making your responses more precise and impactful. Let’s explore 15 alternatives, each with its own tone and ideal usage.
What Can I Say Instead of Saying “Of Course”?
- Naturally
- Obviously
- Certainly
- Surely
- Definitely
- Absolutely
- Without a doubt
- Indeed
- By all means
- Undoubtedly
- Clearly
- No question
- You bet
- For sure
- As expected
1. Naturally
Naturally suggests that something is expected or logically flows from the situation, conveying a calm, confident agreement to an obvious fact. It’s a versatile and conversational word, fitting for casual or semi-formal settings like chats with friends or colleagues. When you say naturally, your response feels smooth and intuitive, implying that the answer aligns with common sense. It’s perfect for situations where agreement or confirmation is effortless and anticipated.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if you’re attending their birthday party. You could say: “Naturally, I wouldn’t miss it for anything!”
- Imagine your coworker asks if you’ll join a team lunch. You might say: “Naturally, count me in – I’m always up for good food!”
2. Obviously
Obviously emphasizes that something is clear or self-evident, carrying a direct, slightly assertive tone. It’s flexible, suitable for both casual and professional contexts when you’re confirming plans or facts that leave little room for doubt. Using obviously underscores a shared understanding with confidence and clarity, making it great for situations where the answer is unmistakable and needs no debate.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your sibling asks if you’re bringing snacks to a movie night. You could say: “Obviously, I’ve got popcorn and candy ready!”
- Imagine your colleague asks if the upcoming meeting is virtual. You might say: “Obviously, it’s on Zoom – that’s how we do all our meetings now.”
3. Certainly
Certainly conveys “of course” with a polite, assured tone, often used to confirm or agree in a professional or courteous manner. It’s formal yet warm, making it perfect for workplace interactions or polite conversations where respect is key. When you say certainly, your response feels respectful and definitive, ensuring the listener feels acknowledged and your agreement is firm. It’s ideal for situations requiring a polished, confident affirmation.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if they can borrow your new book. You could say: “Certainly, it’s on my shelf, feel free to grab it!”
- Imagine a client asks if you can meet their tight deadline. You might say: “Certainly, we’ll deliver on time, as promised!”
4. Surely
Surely expresses “of course” by suggesting strong confidence in an expected outcome, with a warm, slightly persuasive tone. It’s versatile, great for casual or semi-formal contexts, like reassuring friends or colleagues about a shared understanding. Using surely implies a gentle insistence that the answer is evident and true, perfect for situations where you want to sound friendly yet completely convinced.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your cousin asks if you’re joining a family picnic. You could say: “Surely, I’m bringing my famous homemade dessert!”
- Imagine your teammate asks if you’ll have time to review their work. You might say: “Surely, I’ll check it out first thing this morning!”
5. Definitely
Definitely conveys “of course” with an enthusiastic, emphatic tone, signaling strong agreement or confirmation, particularly in casual settings. It’s energetic and modern, ideal for lively conversations with friends or informal work chats. Using definitely adds a vibrant, confident flair to your response, making it great for situations where you want to show excitement or firm commitment.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if you’re up for a concert next month. You could say: “Definitely, I’m getting tickets right now!”
- Imagine your coworker asks if you’ll join a brainstorming session. You might say: “Definitely, I’m all in – I’ve got some ideas already!”
Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Best Wishes” (with Examples)
6. Absolutely
Absolutely expresses “of course” with a strong, unequivocal tone, emphasizing complete agreement or certainty, often with genuine enthusiasm. It’s versatile, fitting both casual and professional contexts when you’re confirming plans, decisions, or commitments. Using absolutely feels bold and wholehearted, leaving no room for doubt and making you sound resolute and positive.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your sibling asks if you’ll help with their upcoming move. You could say: “Absolutely, I’m there Saturday, ready to help with anything!”
- Imagine your boss asks if you can lead a challenging new project. You might say: “Absolutely, I’m ready to start whenever you need me!”
7. Without a doubt
Without a doubt conveys “of course” by emphasizing absolute certainty, with a confident, slightly formal tone that reassures the listener. It’s clear and strong, great for professional or serious conversations, like confirming crucial facts or making solemn promises. Using without a doubt underscores unshakeable assurance in your response, perfect for conveying unwavering confidence and reliability.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if you’ll attend their wedding, even if it’s far away. You could say: “Without a doubt, I’ll be there to celebrate with you!”
- Imagine your colleague asks if the data presented is entirely accurate. You might say: “Without a doubt, it’s been thoroughly verified by the team.”
8. Indeed
Indeed expresses “of course” with a formal, affirmative tone, often used to confirm or emphasize agreement in a polished way. It’s sophisticated and versatile, ideal for professional or intellectual discussions, formal meetings, or written communications. Using indeed adds a refined, emphatic touch to your confirmation, allowing you to sound articulate and assured.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your cousin asks if you’re bringing food to the potluck. You could say: “Indeed, I’m making my famous homemade tacos!”
- Imagine your teammate asks if the project is currently on track. You might say: “Indeed, we’re actually a bit ahead of schedule.”
9. By all means
By all means enthusiastically grants permission or signals strong agreement, with a warm, encouraging tone. It’s polite and inviting, perfect for casual or semi-formal contexts when you’re offering help, giving approval, or welcoming someone. Using by all means feels generous and welcoming, encouraging action, and making you sound open and supportive.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks to borrow your new camera for their trip. You could say: “By all means, use it for the trip – just be careful with it!”
- Imagine your coworker asks if they can join a brainstorming meeting. You might say: “By all means, we’d love your input, please join us!”
10. Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly expresses “of course” by emphasizing absolute certainty and a lack of any possible doubt, with a formal, confident tone. It’s clear and authoritative, great for professional or serious contexts like debates, formal discussions, or making strong assertions. Using undoubtedly reinforces a strong, unquestionable agreement, allowing you to sound definitive and convincing.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your sibling asks if you’ll support their new business venture. You could say: “Undoubtedly, I’m behind you 100%!”
- Imagine your colleague asks if a proposed plan will truly work. You might say: “Undoubtedly, it’s a well-designed plan that will succeed.”
Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say I Agree With You Formally
11. Clearly
Clearly conveys “of course” by suggesting that something is obvious or evident, with a direct, logical tone often used in analytical contexts. It’s precise and professional, ideal for meetings, emails, or teaching moments where you need to highlight an undeniable fact or conclusion. Using clearly emphasizes a straightforward, self-evident truth, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if you’re free for dinner tonight. You could say: “Clearly, my evening’s wide open, so I’d love to!”
- Imagine your teammate questions the value of a new strategy. You might say: “Clearly, this strategy boosts efficiency and saves us resources.”
12. No question
No question expresses “of course” with a casual, confident tone, emphasizing that there’s simply no doubt about the answer or agreement. It’s informal and direct, perfect for friendly chats or quick, informal confirmations. Using no question feels like a bold, friendly affirmation, allowing you to sound certain and relaxed without being overly formal.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your cousin asks if you’re joining the weekly game night. You could say: “No question, I’m bringing the snacks and my best board game!”
- Imagine your coworker asks if you’ll help with a quick task. You might say: “No question, I’m on it right away!”
13. You bet
You bet conveys “of course” with an enthusiastic, slangy tone, signaling strong agreement or confirmation in a lively, informal way. It’s casual and spirited, great for conversations with friends or close colleagues. Using you bet adds a fun, energetic vibe to your response, perfect for situations where you want to sound excited and genuinely agreeable.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if you’re up for an impromptu road trip this weekend. You could say: “You bet, let’s hit the road right now!”
- Imagine your teammate asks if you’ll join them for happy hour after work. You might say: “You bet, I’m already heading out the door!”
14. For sure
For sure expresses “of course” with a casual, modern tone, indicating strong agreement or confirmation in a relaxed, friendly way. It’s informal and versatile, ideal for everyday chats or informal work settings. Using for sure feels laid-back and confident, ensuring a warm and approachable tone, great for situations where you want to sound certain without being too serious.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your sibling asks if you’re watching that new trending show. You could say: “For sure, I’m hooked already, it’s so good!”
- Imagine your colleague asks if you’ll attend an upcoming optional workshop. You might say: “For sure, sign me up – it sounds really interesting!”
15. As expected
As expected, conveys “of course” by suggesting that the outcome or agreement perfectly aligns with what was anticipated. It carries a calm, logical tone, making it professional and neutral, great for formal or analytical contexts like reports, project updates, or strategic plans. Using as expected emphasizes predictability and confirmation with clarity, ideal for highlighting an anticipated and fulfilled outcome.
Usage Examples:
- Suppose your friend asks if you managed to finish a big project early. You could say: “As expected, I wrapped it up yesterday afternoon.”
- Imagine your coworker asks if the client approved the latest design iteration. You might say: “As expected, they loved it and gave us the green light!”
Conclusion
That familiar “of course” often lacks the specific nuance or enthusiasm you intend. Our exploration into Other Ways to Say “Of Course” has provided you with a varied vocabulary, enabling you to affirm with greater clarity, certainty, or warmth. Don’t let your agreement sound bland. Instead, make every affirmation resonate with genuine intent. To master even more expressive communication, delve into the extensive resources on the Other Ways To Say homepage.
Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.