Positively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Positively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express affirmation, certainty, or a strong positive response to a statement or question. Example: "I can positively confirm that the meeting will take place as scheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just 17% said coverage of Miliband was positive, compared with 36% who said David Cameron is covered positively.

The Guardian

But, echoing Sturgeon, he added: "The Tories must also respond to the election result and react positively to proposals for a transfer of powers beyond Smith, a position which won overwhelming support in the election".

The Guardian

The company says it is looking for people with a Tefl (teaching English as a foreign language) qualification or a background in tourism management, "who can contribute positively to growing the country's tourism industry".

The Guardian

Each director focuses on provocative action and drama in their films, but, more specifically, they show men can be positively sexually objectified through a female lens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the government is responding positively, and the media is responding positively".

The Guardian

He doesn't want to get into trouble, so he's come to influence me positively by telling me he nearly ate it all.

The Guardian

But she doubts that charities would respond positively to a paid-for proposal.

The Guardian

A unifying theme is to positively acknowledge their roots, including a strong connection with Salford – Giggs still lives in the city; Scholes was born there; United's Cliff and Littleton Road training grounds, where they were all schooled in football, are in Salford.

The Guardian - Sport

The workshops bring home the difficult truth that we are all capable of violating someone else's consent, while creating a safe space to discuss the meaning of consenting positively and enthusiastically.

The Guardian - Opinion

In HHhH, his novel about the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, Laurent Binet is positively disgusted by the prospect of committing any form of embellishment or factual inaccuracy.

The Guardian - Books

It's grey, overcast and positively thunderous out in Mirpur today, so we may not get an uninterrupted day of cricket, but fingers crossed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Positively" to mean 'very' or 'extremely,' ensure the context is appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal or exaggerated.

Common error

Avoid using "Positively" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. Overusing it can make your speech or writing sound unnatural or stilted. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "definitely" or "absolutely" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Positively" is as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express manner, certainty, or degree. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, such as affirming statements or intensifying descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Opinion

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Money

5%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "Positively" is a versatile word used to express affirmation, certainty, or to intensify meaning. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in news, opinion pieces, and sports articles. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal settings. For expressing similar ideas, consider alternatives such as "absolutely" or "definitely". Remember to use "Positively" thoughtfully to enhance your writing with confidence and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Absolutely

Implies complete agreement or affirmation, similar to "Positively" but often used in response to a question.

Definitely

Indicates certainty or without doubt, much like "Positively" when used to express assurance.

Certainly

Expresses confidence or assurance, akin to "Positively" but may carry a slightly more formal tone.

Indeed

Confirms a previous statement or adds emphasis, similar to "Positively" in affirming something.

Exactly

Expresses precise agreement, aligning with "Positively" when confirming the accuracy of something.

Precisely

Similar to 'exactly', it can replace "Positively" when confirming something with accuracy or detail.

Without a doubt

Emphasizes the certainty of a statement, comparable to the emphatic usage of "Positively".

For sure

A more informal way of expressing certainty, aligning with "Positively" in its affirmative sense.

Unquestionably

Highlights that something is beyond dispute, resembling "Positively" when used to assert something firmly.

Affirmatively

Directly indicates an affirmative response, closely mirroring the meaning of "Positively" when used to confirm.

FAQs

How can I use "Positively" in a sentence?

You can use "Positively" to affirm something strongly, like "I can "positively confirm" your reservation". It can also mean 'very', as in "I had a "positively wonderful time"".

What's the difference between "Positively" and "Definitely"?

"Positively" and "Definitely" both express certainty, but "Positively" often carries a stronger, more emphatic tone. "Definitely" is generally more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while "Positively" may sound more formal or assertive.

Which is correct, "Positively yes" or "Positive yes"?

"Positively yes" is the correct and more common usage. "Positive yes" is grammatically awkward and not typically used in standard English. You can also use alternatives like "Absolutely yes" or "Definitely yes".

What can I say instead of "Positively" to mean 'very'?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extremely", "remarkably", or "exceptionally" to convey a similar meaning. For example, instead of "positively delightful", you might say "exceptionally delightful".