Ways to say OF COURSE

Ways to Say OF COURSE in English (with Real Examples)

Hello, dear English learners! 👋

Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we’re going to upgrade one of the most overused phrases in English: of course.

Don’t get me wrong — of course is perfectly correct. But if you use it all the time, your English can start to sound a bit repetitive… and sometimes even a little too direct or slightly rude, depending on your tone of voice.

So let’s learn more natural, more varied, and sometimes more polite ways to say of course — especially useful for conversations, emails, exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced), polite replies and formal writing.

What does “of course” mean?

We use of course mainly in two ways:

• To say something is obvious or expected
• Of course, every parent wants the best for their children.
• Of course, the TV isn’t working — you forgot to turn it off last night.
• To agree or give permission

“Can I ask you a question?” — “Of course. Go ahead.”

Careful!

If your intonation is too strong, of course can sound impatient or rude — like “Isn’t that obvious?” That’s why it’s very useful to know some softer or more elegant alternatives.

Better ways to say OF COURSE

We can group these expressions by function and tone.

Strong agreement & certainty

Certainly

Meaning: used to emphasize that you are sure something is true or that you agree.

• Rob will certainly attend the meeting.
• I certainly didn’t expect to see you here.

Definitely

Meaning: without any doubt.

• This film will definitely appeal to teenagers.
• She has definitely decided to change jobs.

Absolutely

Meaning: used to strongly emphasize agreement or a statement.

• “Do you agree?” — “Absolutely!”
• I’m absolutely certain this is the right decision.

Indeed

Meaning: used to confirm or strengthen what has just been said (often a bit formal).

• “Do you agree?” — “Indeed, I do.”
• It is indeed difficult to learn a language without practice.

Saying something is obvious or expected

Naturally

Meaning: as you would expect.

• Naturally, parents worry about their children.
• I naturally felt nervous before the exam.

As might be expected

Meaning: used to say that something is completely predictable.

• As might be expected, the hotel was full in August.
• As might be expected, he was promoted after working so hard.

Needless to say

Meaning: something is so obvious that it doesn’t really need to be said.

• He arrived home at 3 a.m. Needless to say, his parents were worried.
• Needless to say, we were disappointed by the result.

It goes without saying

Meaning: something is so obvious that it doesn’t need any explanation.

• It goes without saying that health is more important than money.
• It goes without saying that you mustn’t use your phone during the exam.

Very strong certainty (more formal)

Undoubtedly

Meaning: without any doubt at all (formal).

• This discovery will undoubtedly change history.
• She is undoubtedly one of the best students in the class.

Unquestionably

Meaning: in a way that cannot be doubted.

• Paris is unquestionably one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
• He is unquestionably the right person for the job.

Giving permission

By all means

Meaning: a polite and enthusiastic way to say “yes, of course”.

• “May I sit here?” — “By all means.”
• “Can I use your phone?” — “By all means.”

Note:

“He is by all means a good doctor.” ❌ (This use is unnatural here)

Better:

He is certainly / definitely / undoubtedly a good doctor.

Final tip

Instead of always saying of course, try to choose the expression that fits:

• the tone (formal / informal)
• the situation (permission, agreement, obvious fact)
• the style (spoken or written)

Your English will instantly sound richer, more natural, and more advanced.