the answer is definitely yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the answer is definitely yes" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to emphasize the certainty or clarity of an answer, especially in response to a question. Here is an example: Person A: "Can I count on you to help with the project tomorrow?" Person B: "Absolutely, the answer is definitely yes. I'll be there first thing in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The answer is definitely yes, at least against a team like the Pacers.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer is definitely, yes!" The Suvarnabhumi airport was seized as Thailand entered its peak season for tourism, which provides millions of jobs and billions of dollars.

The New York Times

"What's at issue is whether he will have influence at the convention and represent his supporters, and the answer is definitely yes.

The New York Times

Jill Pinner, CEO of Fizz, has worked outside London for much of her career, and for her the answer is definitely yes.

The Guardian

The answer is definitely yes.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

In one sense, the answer is definitely yes.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Well, for most, the answer was definitely yes.

The New York Times

"Is there anyone out there?" Kendrick Lamar kept asking as he closed the first weekend of this year's Coachella festival, and the answer was definitely yes.

Los Angeles Times

The long answer is definitely yes.

The New Yorker

I think that the answer is definitely more yes than no.

Harvard Business Review

The answer is definitely 'yes' because India simply does not have a sophisticated and focussed public health laboratory system for dynamic epidemic surveillance and disease forecasting.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the answer is definitely yes" when you want to express strong agreement or confirmation, leaving no room for doubt. For example, when asked if you'll support a cause you deeply believe in, you might respond, "The answer is definitely yes."

Common error

While emphatic, "the answer is definitely yes" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "yes, absolutely" or "definitely" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the answer is definitely yes" serves primarily as an emphatic affirmation. It directly confirms a prior statement or query, leaving no room for ambiguity. Ludwig showcases its use in contexts requiring a clear and assured response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the answer is definitely yes" is a commonly used phrase to express strong agreement or affirmation. Ludwig's analysis, based on numerous examples from diverse sources, affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptability. The phrase is versatile, appearing in neutral to formal contexts, especially within news, scientific, and academic discussions. While it effectively conveys certainty, writers should be mindful of its potential formality in more casual settings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a reliable way to eliminate doubt and ensure clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the response is certainly affirmative

Uses "response" instead of "answer" and "certainly affirmative" to convey definite agreement.

the reply is absolutely positive

Substitutes "reply" for "answer" and "absolutely positive" for strong confirmation.

it's undoubtedly a yes

Rephrases to emphasize the certainty of a 'yes' response.

that's a resounding yes

Indicates strong agreement using "resounding".

yes, without a doubt

Emphasizes agreement by adding "without a doubt".

yes, unequivocally

Uses "unequivocally" for a formal and decisive affirmation.

the answer is an emphatic yes

Adds emphasis using "emphatic" to indicate a strong affirmation.

surely, the answer is yes

Alters the structure to begin with "surely" emphasizing the certainty.

the affirmative is absolute

More formal; replacing "answer" with "affirmative" and using "absolute".

yes, most assuredly

Expresses agreement using the phrase "most assuredly".

FAQs

How can I use "the answer is definitely yes" in a sentence?

You can use "the answer is definitely yes" when directly responding to a question where you want to express strong agreement or affirmation. For example, "If you are available to help next week, the answer is definitely yes."

What are some alternatives to "the answer is definitely yes"?

Alternatives include "the response is certainly affirmative", "it's undoubtedly a yes", or simply "yes absolutely" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the answer is definitely yes" in formal writing?

Yes, "the answer is definitely yes" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize agreement or confirmation. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more concise affirmation would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "the answer is definitely yes" and "the answer is yes"?

Adding "definitely" to "the answer is yes" strengthens the affirmation, indicating that you are very certain and leave no room for doubt. The phrase without "definitely" conveys simple agreement.