Definition

1. Adverb:
   • As might be expected; certainly; without doubt: Used to express that something is obvious, expected, or agreed upon. It can also be used to grant permission or show enthusiastic agreement.

Usage

• To state something obvious or expected: It introduces a statement that is known or logically follows.
• To give permission or agree willingly: It is used as a polite or emphatic way to say "yes."
• As a discourse marker: It can be used to introduce a point, sometimes to concede a point before making a stronger one.

Examples

• Stating the obvious:
  • Of course the sun rises in the east. (This is a natural, expected fact.)
  • He's the best candidate, so of course he got the job. (The result was expected.)
• Granting permission or agreeing:
  • "May I borrow your pen?" "Of course!" (An emphatic and polite "yes.")
  • "Can you help me?" "Of course I can." (Willing agreement.)
• As a discourse marker:
  • Of course, there are other factors to consider. (Conceding a point before adding more information.)

Advanced Usage

• "But of course": An even more emphatic form of agreement or acknowledgment.
  • "You'll be there tomorrow?" "But of course!"
• "Of course not": Used to give a strong negative answer to a question.
  • "Did you tell him?" "Of course not!"

Variants and Related Words

• Certainly (adv): Without doubt; definitely. (Often interchangeable with "of course" in affirmative contexts.)
• Naturally (adv): As might be expected; of course. (Highlights that something follows logically.)
• Undoubtedly (adv): Without doubt; certainly.

Synonyms

• Certainly
• Definitely
• Naturally
• Without a doubt
• By all means (when granting permission)

Related Phrases

• Needless to say: Used to indicate that something is so obvious it doesn't need stating. (Similar in function but often precedes a statement that is made anyway.)
  • Needless to say, he was late again.
• It goes without saying: Used to mean something is so obvious it doesn't need to be mentioned.
  • It goes without saying that honesty is important.

Notes on Usage

• Politeness: "Of course" is often used to make a positive response sound more polite and helpful.
• Tone: Depending on context and tone of voice, it can sometimes sound impatient or sarcastic if used when the speaker believes the answer should be obvious to the listener.
  • "Is water wet?" "Of course it is!"

Adverb

1. as might be expected
   • naturally, the lawyer sent us a huge bill