Certainly yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Certainly yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong agreement or affirmation in response to a question or statement. Example: "Do you think we should proceed with the project? Certainly yes, I believe it will be beneficial for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Certainly, yes," he said when the show's host, David Gregory, asked him if, depending on how the war was proceeding, he might tell the president that a drawdown should be delayed.

The New York Times

Certainly, yes.

Huffington Post

"Certainly, yes," [Petraeus] said when the show's host, David Gregory, asked him if, depending on how the war was proceeding, he might tell the president that a drawdown should be delayed.

Huffington Post

Certainly yes, because it made sense, from a programme logic perspective.

BMC Public Health

Yes, certainly yes.

Vice

Yes, almost certainly, yes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I most certainly do, yes.

The New York Times

Neutrals will certainly say yes.

The Guardian - Sport

"I certainly did, yes," he replied.

The Guardian

In any other circumstance, the answer would almost certainly be yes.

The New York Times - Sports

And I said, certainly, absolutely, yes I do," she recently told NBC news.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Certainly yes" to convey strong agreement or affirmation in a clear and professional manner. It's suitable for situations where you want to remove any doubt about your positive response.

Common error

Avoid using "Certainly yes" repeatedly in close succession, as it can sound repetitive or overly emphatic. Vary your affirmative responses with alternatives like "absolutely" or "of course" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Certainly yes" functions primarily as an affirmative response, conveying strong agreement or confirmation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It mirrors a confident and assured concurrence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Certainly yes" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing strong agreement or affirmation. As Ludwig highlights, it's well-suited for contexts where clarity and confidence are essential. While versatile, alternatives such as "absolutely" or "indeed" can add nuance depending on the specific situation. While the phrase sees usage across various domains, it's most commonly found in news media and scientific publications. Overusing the phrase can sound repetitive, so vary your language to maintain a natural tone. Ultimately, "Certainly yes" is a useful tool for clearly conveying your agreement and assurance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yes, definitely

Reverses the order of the words for a slight emphasis.

Yes, absolutely

Reverses the order of the words for a slight emphasis.

Absolutely

Single word affirmation, shorter and more direct.

Yes, indeed

Reverses the order of the words for a slight emphasis.

Definitely

Expresses a strong affirmative with conviction.

Indeed

Formal affirmation, emphasizing truth or fact.

Positively

Emphasizes the affirmative nature of the response.

Certainly

Omits the explicit 'yes', implying agreement.

Without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty.

Of course

Implies the affirmation is obvious or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "Certainly yes" in a sentence?

"Certainly yes" is typically used as a direct response to a question or proposal, indicating strong agreement. For example, "Do you think we should proceed with the plan? Certainly yes."

What are some alternatives to saying "Certainly yes"?

Alternatives include "absolutely", "indeed", "without a doubt", or "of course", each carrying a slightly different nuance of affirmation.

Is "Certainly yes" appropriate for all situations?

While generally acceptable, "Certainly yes" might sound somewhat formal. Consider the context and audience. In more casual settings, a simple "yes" or "definitely" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "Certainly yes" and "Absolutely yes"?

Both convey strong agreement, but "Absolutely yes" might be perceived as slightly more enthusiastic or emphatic. "Certainly yes" suggests a more confident and assured agreement.