definitely always

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely always" is not standard in written English and may sound redundant.
It can be used in informal contexts to emphasize certainty and consistency, but it is generally better to choose one of the two words. Example: "I will definitely always support you in your endeavors."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"That's definitely always a positive".

The New York Times - Sports

I've definitely always been a science type.

The Guardian

"That's very Marc — he's definitely always got one eye on the underdog.

The New Yorker

He is definitely always teaching me how to go and fly off in the wild".

Independent

"I'm an O.K. speller," he said, but "definitely" always trips him up.

The New York Times

A. It was definitely always my intention to figure out how I could make a difference in the world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

India definitely is always a great experience.

The New York Times

Like my fake pesos, counterfeit money often (but definitely not always) looks and feels wrong on close inspection, the experts say.

The New York Times

'Definitely' is always spelled with an 'a' -'definitely'.

TechCrunch

People at Microsoft that I trust are saying that it has absolutely, positively, definitely (really) always been the plan to have Seinfeld appear in just the first few warm up commercials for their $300 million Vista ad campaign, and then move on to the meat of the messaging.

TechCrunch

That's definitely not always the case.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "definitely always" is used, consider whether both words are necessary. Often, using just "definitely" or "always" can achieve the same meaning with greater clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "definitely always" in formal writing. Its redundancy can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for a single, stronger word like "certainly" or rephrase for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely always" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing both the certainty ("definitely") and the consistent or habitual nature ("always") of an action or state. Ludwig examples showcase its use in spoken and informal written contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "definitely always" is often considered redundant. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its primary function is to emphasize both certainty and consistency, yet this emphasis can often be more effectively conveyed with a single word. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, tending toward a more informal register. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "certainly always" or simply using "definitely" or "always" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Certainly always

Replaces "definitely" with "certainly", offering a more formal tone while retaining the sense of consistency.

Undoubtedly always

Substitutes "definitely" with "undoubtedly", emphasizing the lack of doubt but keeping the consistency aspect.

Invariably always

Uses "invariably" instead of "definitely", focusing on the unchanging nature of the action or state.

Positively always

Employs "positively" to replace "definitely", highlighting the affirmative and certain nature of the situation.

Absolutely always

Replaces "definitely" with "absolutely", stressing the complete and unconditional nature of the action.

Without fail always

Offers a more descriptive alternative, indicating that something happens consistently and reliably.

Consistently without a doubt

Combines consistency with certainty, providing a more elaborate way to express the idea.

Assuredly always

A more formal and somewhat archaic substitute for "definitely", maintaining the sense of unwavering certainty.

Always without question

Emphasizes the consistent nature of something happening without any doubt or uncertainty.

Perpetually certain

This alternative focuses on the enduring and continuous nature of certainty.

FAQs

Is "definitely always" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "definitely always" is often considered redundant. Using either "definitely" or "always" alone usually conveys the intended meaning more effectively. Ludwig AI classifies the phrase as acceptable.

What does "definitely always" emphasize?

The phrase "definitely always" is used to emphasize both the certainty and the consistency of something. However, this emphasis can often be achieved with a single, well-chosen word.

What can I say instead of "definitely always"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly always", "undoubtedly always", or "assuredly always" depending on the context.

Is there a difference in formality between "definitely always" and "certainly always"?

"Certainly always" is generally considered more formal than "definitely always", which tends to be used in more informal contexts.