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Meaning & use

oh yes

interjection·Everyday

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UK/ˌəʊ ˈjes/
US/ˌoʊ ˈjes/

Meanings

  1. interjection

    Used to agree strongly, or to say that something is definitely true.

    Grammar: Stands alone as a reply; it is not part of a longer clause.

    Patterns

    • oh yes, ...
    • Oh yes, definitely.

    "Are you coming to the party?" "Oh yes, I wouldn't miss it."

    Oh yes, that's exactly what I meant.

    "Was it cold up there?" "Oh yes, freezing."

  2. interjection

    Used when you suddenly remember or realize something.

    Grammar: Often comes at the start of a sentence, before the thing you have just remembered.

    Patterns

    • oh yes, ...

    Oh yes, I almost forgot — your sister called this morning.

    Oh yes, that reminds me: we still need milk.

  3. interjection

    Used to show that you have just understood something.

    Grammar: Said on its own, often after someone explains something to you.

    Patterns

    • Oh yes, I see.
    • Oh yes, of course.

    "You turn it twice, not once." "Oh yes, I see now."

    Oh yes, of course — the key is under the mat.

  4. interjectioninformal

    Said in a flat or drawn-out way to show doubt, mock agreement, or that you are not convinced.

    Grammar: Meaning depends on tone; in writing, this sense is often marked with a dash or ellipsis.

    Patterns

    • Oh yes, sure...
    • Oh yes, of course he did.

    "He says he'll pay you back next week." "Oh yes... I've heard that before."

    Oh yes, and pigs might fly.

Common combinations

oh yes, definitely
"Is she the best person for the job?" "Oh yes, definitely."
oh yes, of course
Oh yes, of course — I remember her now.
oh yes, that reminds me
Oh yes, that reminds me — I owe you ten dollars.
oh yes, I see
Oh yes, I see what you mean now.
oh yes, sure
Oh yes, sure, and he's going to be on time for once.

Synonyms and how they differ

yes
Plain and neutral; 'oh yes' adds warmth, surprise, or a stronger reaction.
absolutely
Stronger and more emphatic, and it works in formal as well as casual talk.
indeed
More formal and often a little old-fashioned; 'oh yes' is what people actually say in conversation.

Opposites

oh no

Commonly confused: oh yes or oh yeah?

oh yes vs oh yeah

Very similar, but 'oh yeah' is more casual and is the usual form for sudden remembering in American English; 'oh yes' sounds a little more polite or definite.

Practice

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