Definitely yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Definitely 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? Definitely yes!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Definitely yes about dreams, which stick with me.

The New Yorker

Definitely, yes – there was a sense of completion.

The Guardian - Books

Definitely yes if the car is stuck in a traffic jam and the tram has priority, but not only in such case!

Transportation Research Procedia

Definitely yes.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Definitely yes on that last one, at least.

TechCrunch

Definitely, yes.

HuffPost

Most definitely, yes.

The Guardian

Almost definitely yes.

The Washington Post

The answer is mostly definitely yes.

Princeton University

I would say most definitely yes.

Independent

The long answer is definitely yes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While widely acceptable, "Definitely yes" may not suit highly formal or technical writing where a more precise term might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "Definitely yes" in contexts requiring utmost formality. Opt for alternatives like "Indeed" or "Certainly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Definitely yes" functions as an emphatic interjection, used to express strong agreement or affirmation. It's a direct and forceful way of confirming something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Definitely yes" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express strong agreement or affirmation. According to Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal contexts, opting instead for alternatives like "certainly" or "indeed". Its primary function is to convey certainty and enthusiasm, making it a powerful tool for expressing your viewpoint with confidence. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples of its use in authentic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yes, absolutely

Combines a direct affirmation with strong emphasis.

Absolutely

A shorter, more emphatic affirmation.

Yes, indeed

Combines a direct affirmation with a formal confirmation.

Certainly

A more formal and polite affirmation.

Indeed

A formal affirmation, often used to confirm a statement.

Without a doubt

Emphasizes the certainty of the agreement.

Positively

An emphatic and affirmative response.

Of course

Implies that the agreement is obvious or expected.

Affirmative

A formal and somewhat technical term for agreement.

You bet

An informal and enthusiastic affirmation.

FAQs

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

You can use "Definitely yes" as a strong affirmative response to a question or suggestion. For example, "Should we proceed with this plan? Definitely yes!"

What phrases are similar to "Definitely yes"?

Alternatives include "absolutely", "certainly", or "without a doubt", offering varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "Definitely yes"?

It is appropriate to use "Definitely yes" in most informal and neutral contexts where you want to express strong agreement. It might be less suitable for highly formal or technical writing.

Is "Definitely yes" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Definitely yes" is grammatically correct as an interjection expressing strong affirmation. Ludwig confirms this usage is common and acceptable.