Adverbs as short responses (definitely, certainly)
Attitude and viewpoint
Spoken English:
We often use some adverbs in speaking as short responses to show attitude or viewpoint:
A:
You know DVDs? Can you record onto them?
B:
Absolutely.
A:
Dr Kahn is very nice. He’s very interested in his patients.
B:
Oh, do you think so?
A:
Definitely.
A:
There might be a film on at 2 pm that we could watch.
B:
Yeah, probably.
A:
Mandy isn’t going because she just doesn’t like Rick.
B:
Exactly.
A:
Maybe she bought two of the same sweaters in case something happened to one.
B:
Yeah, possibly.
A:
It should be called ‘English Test’ not ‘Test of English’.
B:
Precisely.
Spoken English:
We often use not really in this way to soften a no-answer:
A:
Do you not like chocolate?
B:
No, not really.
Replies to requests
We use certainly and of course typically as a reply to a request for a service or favour:
A:
Can I have the bill please?
B:
Certainly.
[in a clothes shop]
A:
Is it OK if I try these on?
B:
Of course.
Intensifying adverbs
We often use adverbs that make the meaning stronger (very, extremely, really) as a short response:
A:
He’s an intelligent dog, isn’t he?
B:
Yes, very/extremely/highly.
See also:
Discourse markers as responses
Adverbs
Adverbs: types
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