They definitely are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "They definitely are" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to affirm or emphasize a statement about a subject that has been previously mentioned. Example: "The results of the experiment are conclusive. They definitely are." Alternative expressions include "They certainly are" and "They absolutely are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"They definitely are excited about our staff.

The New York Times - Sports

They definitely are excited about the team.

The New York Times - Sports

"They definitely are the bravest," he said.

The New York Times

"They definitely are struggling," said Emme Kozloff, a retailing analyst for Sanford C. Bernstein.

The New York Times

"They definitely are in a class by themselves in terms of the size of the organization and its diversity".

The New York Times

"They definitely are the facility that has the most experience and we all kind of work together," Christina Simmons, spokeswoman for the San Diego Zoo, said of the National Zoo.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"But they definitely were flummoxed".

The New York Times - Arts

They definitely were not at this turn-around point".

The New Yorker

"They definitely were paying attention," Scioscia said afterward.

The New York Times - Sports

But not enough is known about them to say that they definitely were slave societies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were very nice brownies but they definitely weren't a Nigella recipe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "They definitely are" to strongly confirm or agree with a previous statement, ensuring the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "They definitely are" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms for emphasis to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "They definitely are" is as an affirmative response, used to confirm or agree with a prior statement or implication. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to express agreement or confirmation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "They definitely are" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to express strong agreement or confirmation. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and consider alternatives to avoid monotony. The phrase effectively eliminates doubt and emphasizes certainty, making it a useful tool in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

They most certainly are

Combines emphasis for certainty and slight formality.

They certainly are

Emphasizes certainty, slightly more formal.

They absolutely are

Highlights the lack of doubt, adding a touch of enthusiasm.

They clearly are

Highlights the obviousness of the statement.

They surely are

Implies confidence based on expectations.

They undoubtedly are

Stresses that there is no room for doubt.

They really are

Expresses genuine agreement or surprise.

They truly are

Underscores the honesty or genuineness of the statement.

They indeed are

Confirms a previous statement, slightly more formal.

They definitely seem to be

Adds a degree of observation or perception.

FAQs

What does "They definitely are" mean?

The phrase "They definitely are" expresses strong agreement or confirmation regarding something previously mentioned or implied. It emphasizes certainty about a particular state, condition, or characteristic.

When should I use "They definitely are" in writing?

Use "They definitely are" when you want to assertively agree with a statement or confirm its truthfulness. It works best when you want to remove any doubt about something.

Are there other ways to say "They definitely are"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "they certainly are", "they absolutely are", or "they undoubtedly are" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is "They definitely are" formal or informal?

The phrase "They definitely are" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, using alternatives like "they certainly are" may be more appropriate for formal situations.