Now, let’s talk about the term “of course not.” It is the normal negative form of “of course.” We can use it to say “no” in a way that shows we are certain or “yes” to a polite request. Listen to a quick exchange: Did you break this glass?
If you are ever unsure whether to use “of course,” the good news is that you can simply avoid it. There are, of course, many other ways to say what you want to say. I’m Alice Bryant. Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English.
"Of course not" is the normal negative form of "of course.". You'd have to think hard and stretch the imagination to find a way to use "of course no.". You could come up with something, but that would still not be the normal way of saying "of course" in the negative.
Another use of “of course” is a way of showing interest in and agreement with what someone else is saying, so it is polite. It can also show sympathy for another person.
‘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.
To show agreement. Another use of “of course” is a way of showing interest in and agreement with what someone else is saying, so it is polite. It can also show sympathy for another person. Listen to this exchange between parents: This is the third physics tutor who has not been helpful to my son.
But when she gets a job planning the school’s Harvest Festival event, she falls in love with Noah Ferris, a professor. The film title tells us that Amy accepts the idea of falling in love.
Now, let’s talk about the term “of course not.” It is the normal negative form of “of course.” We can use it to say “no” in a way that shows we are certain or “yes” to a polite request.
1. As can or should be expected. We can't, of course, expect our customers to pay for this twice, but we need to cover the cost somehow.
yes; certainly; for sure. Sally: Are you ready to go? Bob: Of course. Sally: Then let's go. Jane: Are you coming with us? John: Of course. I wouldn't miss this for the world. "And you'll be there, of course?" asked Alice. "I would be happy to help, of course," confided Tom, a little insincerely.
1. In the customary or expected order, naturally, as in The new minister did not, of course, fire the church secretary. This usage, first recorded in 1548, employs course in the sense of "ordinary procedure."
1 (also course informal) used to emphasize that what you are saying is true or correct: ‘Don’t you like my mother?’ ‘Of course I do!’ ♢ ‘Will you be there?’ ‘Course I will.’
1. As is to be expected under the circumstances; naturally or obviously: Of course someone had to clean up the mess.