Of course

USAGE SUMMARY

"Of course" is correct and usable in written English.
To use it, you can introduce an idea that you believe is already clear or known by the reader. For example: "Of course, the final decision rests with the boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Of course.

The New York Times

"Of course, of course," Ms. Wagner said.

The New York Times

Of course they do Henry, of course.

Independent

Of course, accidents happen.

The New York Times

Of course, I compromised.

The New York Times

"Of course, dear".

The New Yorker

"Of course I'm angry.

The New Yorker

Of course, I disagree.

The New Yorker

"Of course I'm worried".

The New York Times

Of course it would.

The New York Times

"Of course he's compromised.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Of course" to indicate that something is obvious or to express agreement with a statement or request.

Common error

While "Of course" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing, as it can sound condescending or dismissive. Consider more nuanced alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Of course" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase expressing affirmation, agreement, or obviousness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts. It is frequently used to provide a concise and affirmative response to a question or statement, as illustrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Of course" is a versatile expression used to convey agreement, affirmation, or to indicate that something is obvious. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across varied sources. While it's generally acceptable, be mindful of overuse in formal contexts, where alternatives like "certainly" or "indeed" might be more appropriate. Remember to use it to signal shared understanding and avoid sounding condescending. Always consider your audience and context to ensure your tone is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Certainly

This single-word response conveys a strong sense of agreement or affirmation, similar to "of course" but potentially more formal.

Indeed

Implies confirmation or emphasis, slightly more formal than "of course".

Absolutely

Expresses complete agreement, similar to "of course" but with a stronger emphasis.

Without a doubt

Indicates certainty and removes any possibility of questioning something; stronger and more emphatic.

Naturally

Suggests that something is logical or expected, similar to one sense of "of course".

As expected

Highlights that something happened in line with expectations; more descriptive.

It goes without saying

Emphasizes that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated, offering a more elaborate alternative.

Sure thing

An informal way to express agreement or acceptance, less formal than "of course".

You bet

Informal and colloquial, conveying enthusiastic agreement.

Affirmative

A formal response indicating agreement, often used in specific contexts such as military or aviation.

FAQs

How do I use "Of course" in a sentence?

"Of course" is typically used to express agreement or to indicate that something is obvious. For example, "Will you be attending the meeting?" "Of course."

What are some alternatives to "Of course"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "certainly", "absolutely", or "indeed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "Of course" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "Of course" can sometimes sound too informal or even dismissive in formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives or rephrasing the sentence.

What's the difference between "Of course" and "Sure"?

"Of course" implies that something is obvious or expected, while "Sure" is a more general expression of agreement or willingness. "Of course" can sometimes carry a slight implication that the question was unnecessary.