A single adverb can show confidence or agreement.
The idea
Certainly emphasizes a confident statement. As a reply to a request, it is a polite, emphatic yes.
Examples
- The path is certainly steep.
- I will certainly bring the map.
- The soup certainly smells good.
- You can certainly borrow my umbrella.
- “May I sit here?” “Certainly.”
- They certainly worked hard on the garden.
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Watch out
Confidence is a speaker’s judgment; certainly alone does not prove a claim.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word. I am sure I will help: I will ___ help. (certainly / perhaps)
Show answer or example answer
certainly
certainly: The speaker confidently promises to help.
Choose the correct word. May I open the window? ___! (Certainly / Perhaps)
Show answer or example answer
Certainly
certainly: This is a polite acceptance of the request.
Choose the correct word. I am not sure; it may rain. ___ it will rain. (Perhaps / Certainly)
Show answer or example answer
Perhaps
perhaps: The speaker is unsure rather than confident.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word. I am sure I will help: I will ___ help. (certainly / perhaps)
Choose the correct word. May I open the window? ___! (Certainly / Perhaps)
Choose the correct word. I am not sure; it may rain. ___ it will rain. (Perhaps / Certainly)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Make a confident prediction and accept a request politely.