of course

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say that something is certainly true or what anyone would expect.

   Grammar: Can start a sentence or sit mid-sentence: Of course it is; it is, of course, true.

   Patterns

   • of course it is
   • as you know, of course

   Of course the shop is closed on a public holiday.

   The sun rises in the east, of course.

   Of course she was nervous; it was her first day.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to answer yes politely and willingly, especially when someone asks for permission or help.

   Grammar: Often a complete reply: Can I sit here? Of course.

   Patterns

   • Of course!
   • Yes, of course

   Can I borrow your pen? Of course.

   Of course you can come with us.

   Would you mind waiting? Of course not.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   Used to admit a fact and then introduce a contrast, often to show you are aware of the opposite view.

   Grammar: Often followed by but: of course..., but...

   Patterns

   • of course..., but...

   Of course exercise is useful, but rest matters too.

   The plan is cheap, of course, but it has risks.

   Of course I'll help, but I'd like some notice.

Common combinations

yes, of course

Yes, of course, take as long as you need.

but of course

But of course, nobody told me the schedule had changed.

of course not

Of course not, I'd never share your secret.

naturally, of course

Naturally, of course, the tickets sold out.

of course it is

Is it raining? Of course it is.

Synonyms and how they differ

certainly

Certainly is a little more formal and polite in answers, while of course can sound casual or even slightly obvious.

naturally

Naturally suggests something follows normally from the situation, while of course is a quicker agreement.

sure

Sure is more informal and relaxed than of course.

obviously

Obviously can sound impatient or insulting if used to answer a question, whereas of course is milder.

Opposites

Word family

course noun

a path or direction; the word in of course means the normal way of things

matter of course phrase

something done automatically as usual

naturally adverb

in the expected way

Commonly confused: of course or of coarse?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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