definitely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "definitely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a statement or opinion and express the certainty of a future action. Example: I definitely plan to finish my project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Definitely," he says.

The Guardian

"Er... the referee missed some key decisions... er... we should definitely have been awarded a penalty... we were definitely the better side," he told me.

The Guardian - Books

No definitely not, I don't think anyone is allowed to live on baked beans on toast.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of the unseen Top Gear footage, Shillinglaw said it would definitely make it on to BBC2 – although not enough had been shot for three full one-hour episodes.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, toast the muffin halves (it definitely helps to put your breakfasting companion to work here – that way they can assemble the rest of the dish while you stand guard whisking the hollandaise) and poach the eggs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's definitely a sense of responsibility," says Claire Rafferty, England's left-back and a part-time financial analyst at Deutsche Bank, who can look back nine years and recall her parents digging deep to finance career-saving knee surgery.

The Guardian - Sport

Vicki Hughes, for example, uses many of Brighton's coffee shops to conduct a lot of the business for her company, Fugu PR. "There is definitely something unique about Brighton and coffee shops," she says.

The Guardian

They're very problematic and sometimes down right rude to each other, but there's definitely chemistry, and definitely some other emotions entwined in there.

The Guardian

It is equally clear: evolution is definitely preferable if it is attainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we sat in our circle and shared the reasons that had brought us all there, my memory is that I was the only one suffering from anxiety (as opposed to depression), and also that I definitely came across as the "maddest" – there was no one else in that room who had trouble staying on a bus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

North Melbourne will almost definitely lay a heavy smack-down on 'Friendless' Mick Malthouse and his rag-tag bunch of beaten-up Blues.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitely" to express certainty or strong agreement in your writing. It adds emphasis and conviction to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "definitely" excessively in formal or academic writing. Overuse can make your writing sound less objective and more opinionated. Opt for more formal alternatives like "certainly" or "undoubtedly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "definitely" functions primarily as an intensifier, emphasizing the certainty of a statement. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to convey a sense of assurance or strong agreement. Examples from the provided data illustrate its role in affirming beliefs, decisions, and plans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

18%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Opinion

7%

Film

5%

Music

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely" is a very common adverb used to express certainty and emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media, lifestyle, and sport contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "certainly" or "undoubtedly" may be more appropriate. Its main function is to intensify statements, convey strong beliefs, and reassure the audience. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a doubt

Emphasizes the absence of any uncertainty, adding a stronger sense of conviction.

absolutely

Expresses complete agreement or affirmation, conveying a more enthusiastic tone.

certainly

Indicates a firm belief or expectation, maintaining a formal and assured tone.

undoubtedly

Highlights the unquestionable nature of a statement, adding a touch of sophistication.

for sure

Offers a more casual and confident assurance, suitable for informal conversations.

surely

Implies a high degree of confidence or expectation, adding a subtle nuance of anticipation.

positively

Emphasizes the affirmative nature of a statement, conveying a sense of optimism.

unequivocally

Expresses a clear and unambiguous confirmation, suitable for formal contexts.

incontestably

Indicates that something cannot be disputed, emphasizing its irrefutable nature.

decisively

Highlights the conclusive nature of a decision or action, adding a sense of finality.

FAQs

How can I use "definitely" in a sentence?

"Definitely" is typically used as an adverb to express certainty or emphasis. For example, you might say, "I "will definitely attend" the meeting" or "That is "definitely a good idea"".

What's the difference between "definitely" and "certainly"?

Both "definitely" and "certainly" express assurance, but "definitely" can sometimes carry a slightly more informal tone. "Certainly" often fits better in formal writing, while "definitely" is commonly used in everyday conversation. Consider alternatives like "without a doubt", "absolutely", or "undoubtedly" based on the context.

Can I use "definitely" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "definitely" can be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. For example: "Definitely, I agree with your assessment" or "Definitely, we should consider this option". However, be mindful of overusing this structure, especially in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "definitely" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using alternatives such as "certainly", "undoubtedly", "without question", or "assuredly". These options provide a similar sense of conviction while maintaining a more professional tone.