definitely so

USAGE SUMMARY

"definitely so" is an acceptable phrase in English that is typically used as an emphatic expression to affirm something.
For example, "Are you feeling better today? - Definitely so!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

That is definitely so".

The Guardian - Film

It will help us for our defense, definitely, so we can look into that.

The New York Times

"It has improved a lot, definitely so, since 2008," Vázquez said of their relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

These GRS structures are those that have been constructed most densely ever for railways, which is definitely so for high speed trains.

Transportation Geotechnics

Dyslexia, definitely: so Jo Malone, Heston Blumenthal, this crazy super-agent guy Ari Emanuel, Richard Branson.

The Guardian - Books

"Maybe so, definitely so," responded Tony Ward, an actor friend of Kaye's.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"If they come out and say R. C. Christian was definitely so-and-so, I don't think anyone would visit the monument.

The New York Times

FRIEDRICH: I definitely hope so.

Harvard University

"Yes, I definitely think so".

The Guardian - Music

"I'd definitely say so," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Juli Weiner: Definitely, Ruth Ruth Spencer: So are they "done"?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitely so" to add emphasis and conviction to your agreement or affirmation in both spoken and written communication.

Common error

While "definitely so" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing, where more precise and nuanced language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "undoubtedly" or "certainly" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely so" functions as an emphatic affirmative response, strongly confirming or agreeing with a prior statement. It's used to express certainty and conviction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is an acceptable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely so" is a common and acceptable phrase used to express strong agreement and affirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "undoubtedly" for highly formal situations. This guide offers insights into its usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls to help you use "definitely so" effectively in your writing and speech. This phrase sees considerable use in news and media, followed by scientific and academic fields. The examples from Ludwig show that it serves to emphasize the certainty and conviction behind a statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely

A shorter, more direct affirmation.

certainly

Expresses conviction, similar to "definitely so".

indeed

A formal way to express agreement or confirmation.

without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty.

of course

Implies the statement is obvious or expected.

that's for sure

A more conversational expression of agreement.

no question

Indicates complete certainty.

assuredly

A formal and emphatic way of saying "definitely".

positively

Emphasizes the truth or certainty of a statement.

undoubtedly

Similar to "without a doubt", indicating no uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "definitely so" in a sentence?

"Definitely so" is typically used as a short, emphatic response to a statement or question, indicating strong agreement. For example, "Is that the best option? Definitely so!"

What can I say instead of "definitely so"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely", "certainly", or "indeed", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "definitely so" formal or informal?

"Definitely so" sits in a middle ground. While not strictly informal, it isn't the most formal choice either. It's suitable for many situations, but more formal alternatives like "undoubtedly" might be preferable in very formal contexts.

Which is correct, "definitely so" or "definitely yes"?

Both "definitely so" and "definitely yes" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Definitely so" confirms a previous statement, while "definitely yes" directly answers a question with a positive affirmation.