Of course

[0027] No problem

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

A very common, informal phrase used in several ways:

  • As a response to Thank you, meaning You're welcome.
  • To agree to a request, meaning Yes, certainly, implying it causes no trouble.
  • To downplay a mistake or inconvenience someone else caused, meaning Don't worry about it.

Origin

  • Became widespread in American English in the latter half of the 20th century.
  • Its use as a response to thanks possibly reflects a cultural shift towards minimizing formality or obligation. Instead of You are welcome (acknowledging the service), it implies the service was effortless or insignificant ('not a problem').

Synonyms & Related Expressions

As You're welcome:

  • You're welcome. (More traditional)
  • My pleasure. (More formal/polite)
  • Don't mention it.
  • Anytime.
  • Sure thing.

As Yes/Certainly to a request:

  • Sure thing.
  • Of course.
  • Certainly.
  • Okay. / Alright.

As Don't worry about it:

  • It's alright. / That's alright.
  • No worries.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • It's all good.
  • Never mind.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • No prob. (Shortened)
  • No biggie. / No big deal.
  • S'all good.
  • NBD. (Internet acronym for 'No Big Deal')

Milder/Standard:

  • You're welcome.
  • Certainly.
  • That's quite alright.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very common in informal and semi-formal situations (shops, restaurants, colleagues, friends).
  • Some prescriptivists or people preferring traditional etiquette dislike its use instead of You're welcome, arguing that helping *shouldn't* potentially be a 'problem'. However, it's extremely widespread and generally accepted as polite and friendly.
  • Might be slightly too informal for very formal contexts.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Very low risk. Its function is usually clear from context (response to thanks, agreement, or reassurance).
  • The main 'issue' is the minor etiquette debate, not a misunderstanding of meaning.

Examples

  • (Response to thanks) Thanks for the ride! No problem.
  • (Agreeing to a request) Can you grab me a water? No problem.
  • (Downplaying an issue) Oops, sorry I bumped you. No problem.

Dialogue

Colleague A: Hey, could you look over this email before I send it?

Colleague B: Yeah, no problem. Send it over.

Colleague A: Awesome, thanks!

Colleague B: No problem.

Social Media Examples

  • Replying to thanks for sharing a link: No problem! Glad it was helpful.
  • Agreeing to a request in chat: Can u check this? -> no problem, doing it now
  • Responding to an online apology: Sorry for the late reply! -> No problem at all!

Response Patterns

  • When used as You're welcome: The interaction often ends there.
  • When used to agree: The asker usually says Thanks or Great.
  • When used to dismiss an apology: The apologizer often says Thanks or expresses relief.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • After agreeing (No problem), the speaker typically performs the requested action.
  • Otherwise, the conversation usually moves on.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It is always a response.

Intonation

  • Generally relaxed, friendly, and casual.
  • Can be said quickly.
  • Stress often falls lightly on pro- in problem. No PROblem.

Generation Differences

  • Extremely common among younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z).
  • Widely used and accepted by Gen X and many Baby Boomers too, though some older individuals might still prefer You're welcome.

Regional Variations

  • Very common in North American English (US, Canada).
  • Also very common in UK, Australian, and NZ English. No worries might be slightly more prevalent in Aus/NZ for similar functions.
Of course
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