of course you can

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say yes warmly or give someone permission to do something.

   Grammar: Stands alone as a complete response; you can also add 'Of course you can' before a verb phrase, e.g. 'Of course you can borrow it.'

   Patterns

   • Of course you can + verb
   • Of course you can, + clause

   Can I sit here? Of course you can.

   Of course you can use my phone to call your mother.

   Of course you can join us for dinner—there's plenty of food.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to encourage someone or show you believe they are able to do something.

   Grammar: Often followed by a verb: 'Of course you can pass the exam.' The stress usually falls on 'can'.

   Patterns

   • Of course you can + verb

   Of course you can run a marathon if you train hard.

   Don't doubt yourself—of course you can do it.

   She told him, 'Of course you can learn to swim at your age.'

Common combinations

of course you can

Of course you can come with us.

of course you can have

Of course you can have a piece of cake.

of course you can borrow

Of course you can borrow my umbrella.

of course you can do it

Of course you can do it—just try.

Synonyms and how they differ

yes, you can

A more direct, neutral way to give permission; less warm and encouraging than 'of course you can'.

certainly

A polite, slightly formal way to say yes; it does not include the personal encouragement of 'of course you can'.

sure

An informal, quick way to agree; it is shorter and less emphatic than 'of course you can'.

Opposites

Commonly confused: of course you can or of course not?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “of course you can”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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