‘Of course.’ This is such a useful English phrase, but be careful. If you use it wrongly people might think you’re angry or when you’re not, or they might think that you think they’re stupid. That’s no good! You don’t want to get it wrong, but don’t worry. In this video you’ll learn how to use it correctly.#N#‘Of course’ is a dangerous phrase because it can be polite or it can be rude. Let’s start by looking at some polite ways to use it.
Yes, it is. Oh. I’ve got my car so I can give you a lift if you like. Thank you very much. Now that conversation is polite. If someone asks a question and they don’t know the answer, say a simple yes. Now one more thing. The opposite of course is ‘Of course not’. Again, we say it to add emphasis.
In an atmosphere of trust and goodwill, “of course” means a strong “yes”, but in an atmosphere of hidden hostility and envy, suspicion is the norm of perception of the interlocutor, and any manifestation of goodness can be considered as a mockery.
Often it is. Someone asks you a question. Usually that means the questioner doesn’t know the answer to the question he/she asked. Answering “of course” can often communicate that the question has an obvious answer.