a definite yes

USAGE SUMMARY

"a definite yes" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to express a strong affirmative answer to a question. For example, if someone asks you, "Do you want to go to the movies this weekend?", you could reply, "That's a definite yes!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Neither a definite yes nor a definite no.

Independent

If it's a definite yes you're not going hard enough, if it's a no, you've overcooked it".

The Guardian - Sport

"KNICKERS," read the stern advice to racegoers at Royal Ascot, one of the swankiest society events of the summer: "a definite yes, but not on show please ladies".

The Economist

He was described in diplomatic reports as shrewd and affable, deliberately slow of speech yet loquacious, expressing himself in an elegant Italian or Latin with learned allusions, and scrupulously refraining from tying himself down to a definite "yes" or "no" until the final settlement of an issue but then able to act with swift, uncompromising dispatch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My answer to question number one is a definite yes; the other two questions are more difficult.

Forbes

For me, the answer is a definite "yes".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The answer is a very definite yes, and no.

The Guardian

The answer to this is a very definite yes and no! Ignoring the effects of the Earth's atmosphere (which I have no idea how to take into account), and assuming the Moon has a smooth surface (which I'll comment on below) the shadow of the Earth on the Moon would not have a sharp edge, but would be bumpy due to variations in height of the Earth.

Cornell University

The answer was the same for all of them: a sheepish but definite "yes".

Independent

For me - the answer is an obvious and definite "yes". What about you?

Forbes

For me – the answer is an obvious and definite "yes". What about you?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite yes" to express strong agreement or confirmation, particularly when you want to eliminate any ambiguity. For instance, in negotiations or when responding to critical questions, this phrase underscores certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite yes" in overly casual conversations. Its formal tone may sound stilted or unnatural among friends or family. Opt for simpler affirmations like "yes", "absolutely", or "sure" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite yes" functions as a response or affirmation, providing a clear and unambiguous indication of agreement or approval. It is often used to emphasize the certainty of the affirmative answer. Ludwig examples confirm its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite yes" is a phrase used to express strong agreement and eliminate ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, with a neutral to professional tone. When aiming for clarity and emphasis in your affirmative responses, "a definite yes" is a valuable option. While it is acceptable to use in most situations, it should be avoided in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resounding yes

Emphasizes the strength and decisiveness of the agreement.

a clear affirmation

Uses 'affirmation' instead of 'yes', adding a touch of formality and emphasis on clarity.

absolutely

A single-word substitute that expresses complete agreement.

an affirmative response

Replaces the idiomatic "yes" with a more formal noun phrase.

certainly

Similar to 'absolutely', but can sometimes imply a slightly less emphatic agreement.

a positive affirmation

Highlights the positive nature of the agreement or response.

without a doubt

Indicates a lack of uncertainty in the affirmative response.

a strong agreement

Focuses on the agreement itself being forceful and unambiguous.

of course

Implies that the affirmative answer is obvious or expected.

indeed

A more formal way of saying 'yes', often used in sophisticated contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definite yes" to express strong agreement or confirmation. For example: "When asked if he would accept the promotion, his answer was "a definite yes"."

What phrases are similar to "a definite yes"?

Similar phrases include "absolutely", "a resounding yes", or "certainly", which all convey strong agreement.

Is it appropriate to use "a definite yes" in formal writing?

Yes, "a definite yes" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize a strong and unambiguous affirmative response.

What's the difference between "a definite yes" and simply saying "yes"?

"A definite yes" adds emphasis and clarity, signaling that the agreement is firm and without hesitation. It's stronger than a simple "yes".