VOA慢速英语2019--Certainly or Of Course?

 

Today we answer a question from Alan in China. He writes:

Question:

“I ... know that people always say ‘Certainly!’ or ‘Of course’… So what's the difference? Thank you!” – Alan

Answer:

Dear Alan,

Thank you for writing to us.

The expressions “certainly” and “of course” are similar in meaning. What is different is how you use them and with whom.

By definition¹, the word “certainly" means² that you know something for sure.

This is the more formal, or official-sounding, of the two words. In a world that is becoming more socially informal³, you are less likely to use the word “certainly.” But here is an example:

You are in a meeting with your supervisor⁴ at work. She says to you, “Do you think you can have your report ready by next Friday?”

You may answer: “Yes, certainly. It will be ready by then.”

There is no question in your mind the report will be ready!

Now we turn to the term “of course.”

It is defined⁵ this way: “used informally⁶ to give permission or say yes in a way that shows you are very certain”

You are more likely to use “of course” when speaking with friends.

For example, your friend Tom asks:

“Do you want to go to the party with me Saturday night?”

You may answer:

“Of course! I’d love to go, sounds fun!”

Other, similar words you can use are “sure” and “alright.”

“Sure” leaves no question in anyone’s mind.

Let’s go to the beach for the weekend!

Sure, that would be great!

The words “all right” mean that you agree with what someone said. The difference is you can use this term if you are not happy about it.

Here is an example:

Can you help me finish my work?

All right, but only for an hour.

You can use it like the term ok.

And That’s Ask a Teacher!

I’m Anne Ball.

1 definition   

n.定义；限定，确定；清晰度

参考例句：

• The book attempts a definition of his role in world politics.该书要阐明的是他在世界政局中的作用。
• I made a definition for this word.我给这个字下了定义。

2 means   

n.方法，手段，折中点，物质财富

参考例句：

• That man used artful means to find out secrets.那人使用狡猾的手段获取机密。
• We must get it done by some means or other.我们总得想办法把它干完。

3 informal   

adj.非正式的，不拘礼的，通俗的

参考例句：

• I got an informal reception.我受到了非正式接待。
• The leaders met over informal lunches.领袖们在非正式午餐时进行会晤。

4 supervisor   

n.监督人，管理人，检查员，督学，主管，导师

参考例句：

• Between you and me I think that new supervisor is a twit.我们私下说，我认为新来的主管人是一个傻瓜。
• He said I was too flighty to be a good supervisor.他说我太轻浮不能成为一名好的管理员。

5 defined   

adj 定义的; 清晰的

参考例句：

• These categories are not well defined. 这些类别划分得不太明确。
• The powers of a judge are defined by law. 法官的权限是由法律规定的。

6 informally   

adv.非正式地；不拘礼节地；通俗地

参考例句：

• You will have a chance to circulate and chat informally. 你们会有机会四处走动一下，互相聊聊。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The senator addressed the gathering informally. 那位参议员非正式地向与会者发表演说。 来自《简明英汉词典》