an emphatic yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an emphatic 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: "When asked if I would support the new policy, my answer was an emphatic yes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Read this book and you'll answer with an emphatic "yes".

The Guardian - Books

Virtually all Iraq's 6m Kurds would give an emphatic yes to the first question.

The Economist

Princeton answered with an emphatic "yes" in its opener, an 8 6 win over Santa Clara Sept. 9.

Princeton University

I'd say an emphatic "yes".

BBC

I would have to say an emphatic ?yes!?

Science Magazine

The answer from the Nuffield Council is an emphatic "yes".

Science Magazine

The answer is an emphatic "yes" according to an AMD PR representative I spoke to over the weekend.

Forbes

People have asked me, "So is there a National Voter Registration Day in 2017?" The answer is an emphatic YES.

Forbes

But the question of whether Australia is ready for a female prime minister can be dealt with in a single word - an emphatic "yes".

BBC

You need to be confident that you can answer an emphatic yes, to the best of your abilities, before making the hire.

Forbes

I would answer all the above questions with an emphatic YES!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an emphatic yes" when you want to convey not just agreement, but also strong conviction and enthusiasm. It's more powerful than a simple "yes".

Common error

While "an emphatic yes" is perfectly acceptable, using it too frequently, especially in casual conversation, can sound overly formal or theatrical. Opt for simpler expressions like "absolutely" or "definitely" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an emphatic yes" functions as an affirmative response, typically following a question or proposal. It serves to express not only agreement but also a strong sense of conviction or enthusiasm. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig, where it is used to answer questions or indicate strong support for a particular idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an emphatic yes" is a powerful way to express strong agreement or affirmation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, overusing it casually might sound affected. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "a resounding yes" or "absolutely" for different shades of meaning. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "an emphatic yes" to convey conviction and enthusiasm in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocally yes

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the agreement.

a definite affirmative

Uses synonyms to convey the same meaning with slightly more formal tone.

a firm yes

Highlights the resoluteness and strength of the agreement.

most certainly

A more formal way of saying "yes", indicating strong agreement and certainty.

a categorical yes

Indicates a clear and unambiguous agreement without any reservations.

a resounding affirmation

Replaces "yes" with a more formal noun, emphasizing the decisiveness of the agreement.

a wholehearted yes

Conveys enthusiasm and complete agreement.

absolutely

A shorter, single-word affirmation that implies strong agreement.

positively

A single word expressing affirmation and certainty.

without a doubt

Expresses certainty and strong agreement, indirectly affirming the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "an emphatic yes" in a sentence?

You can use "an emphatic yes" to express strong agreement or affirmation. For example, "When asked if I supported the proposal, my answer was "an emphatic yes"."

What are some alternatives to saying "an emphatic yes"?

Alternatives include "a resounding yes", "a definite yes", or simply "absolutely", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a emphatic yes" instead of "an emphatic yes"?

No, it is not correct. The word "emphatic" begins with a vowel sound, so it requires the indefinite article "an", not "a". The correct phrase is "an emphatic yes".

What's the difference between "an emphatic yes" and "a simple yes"?

"An emphatic yes" conveys a much stronger sense of agreement and conviction than "a simple yes". It indicates enthusiasm and a lack of hesitation.