well of course

USAGE SUMMARY

"well of course" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it as a response when something is obvious or when something has been made clear. For example: Q: Does the sun rise in the east? A: Well of course!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Well, of course not.

The New York Times - Health

"Well, of course, Ma.

The New Yorker

Well, of course".

The New York Times

Well, of course, duh.

Independent

Well, of course we do.

The New Yorker

Well, of course it couldn't.

The New Yorker

"Well of course you do.

Independent

Well, of course they do.

The New York Times - Arts

Well, of course it is.

The New York Times

Well, of course, you don't.

Independent

(a) Well, of course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well of course" to express agreement or acknowledge something that is already known or obvious to the listener or reader, adding a touch of mild emphasis or confirmation.

Common error

Avoid using "well of course" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "certainly" or "naturally" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well of course" functions as an response marker, typically used to indicate agreement with a preceding statement or to emphasize that something is obvious. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English, particularly in conversational contexts. The numerous examples available on Ludwig demonstrate its frequent use in news media and other informal communications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well of course" is a common and acceptable expression used to convey agreement or to indicate that something is obvious. As Ludwig AI states, it’s well-suited for casual conversation and news media, as evidenced by the numerous examples available. However, exercise caution in formal writing, where alternatives like "certainly" or "naturally" might be more appropriate to avoid sounding condescending. Keep in mind the context and audience to ensure the phrase is used effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of course

Omits the introductory "well", making it slightly more concise.

it goes without saying

Indicates that something is so obvious it need not be stated.

naturally

Replaces the full phrase with a single word implying something is expected or logical.

obviously

Directly states that something is clear and easily perceived.

needless to say

Introduces a statement that is already understood by everyone.

certainly

Emphasizes the certainty of something, similar to acknowledging the obvious.

undoubtedly

Highlights that something is not in doubt, akin to "well of course".

it stands to reason

Suggests that something is logical and reasonable to conclude.

as expected

Focuses on the lack of surprise, implying things happened as predicted.

surely

Expresses a strong belief or expectation that something is true.

FAQs

How can I use "well of course" in a sentence?

Use "well of course" to indicate that something is obvious or to express agreement with something that has already been stated. For example: Q: "Is water wet?" A: "Well of course!"

What's a more formal alternative to "well of course"?

For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "certainly", "naturally", or "undoubtedly" depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "well of course"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if used sarcastically or condescendingly. Ensure your tone and context align with a genuine expression of agreement or obviousness.

What's the difference between "of course" and "well of course"?

The addition of "well" at the beginning of "well of course" adds a slight emphasis or a more casual, conversational tone compared to simply saying "of course".