Sure thing

[0026] Of course

🎲 No problem
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A phrase used to show strong agreement, give permission willingly, or state something that is obvious or expected.
  • It implies that the answer is clearly yes or that the statement is undoubtedly true.

Origin

  • Standard English phrase. Course here relates to the natural or expected way of things (as in the course of events).
  • Saying of course implies that the positive response or agreement follows the natural or expected order.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Certainly. (Similar formality, perhaps less warmth)
  • Absolutely. (Strong agreement)
  • Sure thing. (More informal)
  • No problem. (Common for permission/agreement)
  • Naturally. / Obviously. (When stating the obvious)
  • By all means. (Formal permission)
  • You're welcome. / My pleasure. (As a response to thanks)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Totally.
  • For sure. / Fo sho.
  • Yeah, obvs. (Obvious)

Vulgar/Emphatic (For strong agreement/obviousness):

  • Fuck yeah. / Hell yeah.
  • No shit. (For stating the obvious, vulgar)

Milder/Standard:

  • Certainly.
  • Yes, definitely.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Widely appropriate in many contexts, from informal to formal. It's polite and generally conveys willingness or certainty.
  • Tone is important; if used for something obvious, it can sound condescending if not delivered carefully.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Low risk for the core meaning of yes or certainly.
  • The main potential issue is misinterpreting the tone when used to state the obvious – it might sound rude or impatient when not intended.

Examples

  • (Giving permission) May I borrow your pen? Of course.
  • (Agreeing) You'll help me move, right? Of course!
  • (Stating the obvious) It gets cold in winter. Of course it does.
  • (As You're welcome) Thank you so much! Of course.

Dialogue

Student: Professor, could I have an extra day for the assignment? My grandmother is unwell.

Professor: Of course, don't worry about it. Take the time you need. Family comes first.

Student: Thank you so much, Professor.

Professor: Of course.

Social Media Examples

  • Replying to a comment: Q: Will you post the recipe? A: Of course! Check the link in bio later today.
  • Responding to thanks: Person A: This guide was super helpful, thank you! Person B: Of course, glad it helped!
  • Sarcastic tweet: Water is wet. Of course it is. #obvious

Response Patterns

  • When giving permission/agreeing: The other person usually says Thank you, Great, etc.
  • When stating the obvious: The other person might nod in agreement or feel slightly patronized depending on the tone.
  • When used as You're welcome: The exchange usually concludes.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • After giving permission (Of course), the asker usually proceeds with the action (Thanks! *borrows pen*).
  • After agreeing to help (Of course!), details are often discussed next (Okay, what time should I be there?).
  • After stating the obvious, the conversation might shift slightly.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a response.

Intonation

  • When giving permission or agreeing enthusiastically: Upbeat, friendly tone, stress on course. Of COURSE!
  • When stating the obvious: Can have a flatter, slightly dismissive tone, stress still often on course, implying obviously. Of COURSE it does.
  • When used as You're welcome: Warm, polite tone. Of course.

Generation Differences

  • Used across all generations. A standard part of English vocabulary.

Regional Variations

  • Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.
Sure thing
🎲 No problem