Definitely vs Defo: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you one of those people who loves to use slang words in your everyday conversations? If so, you’ve probably come across the words “definitely” and “defo.” While these words may seem interchangeable, they actually have different meanings and uses. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words.

Firstly, “definitely” is the proper word to use in most situations. It is an adverb that means without a doubt or certainly. For example, “I will definitely be at the party tonight.” It is a more formal word that is commonly used in professional settings, such as business emails or academic papers.

On the other hand, “defo” is a slang word that is commonly used in informal conversations. It is an abbreviation of the word “definitely” and means the same thing. For example, “I’m defo going to the concert next week.” It is a more casual word that is commonly used among friends or in text messages.

Now that we’ve established the differences between these two words, let’s explore when and where to use them.

Define Definitely

Definitely is an adverb that means without doubt or certainly. It is used to express a strong conviction or assurance about something. The word definitely is derived from the Latin word “definitus” which means “defined” or “limited”.

For example:

• She will definitely be attending the conference next week.
• The team definitely needs to work on their communication skills.

It can also be used as a response to a question to indicate a positive answer:

• Are you coming to the party? – Definitely!

Define Defo

Defo is a slang term that is used as an abbreviation for definitely. It is commonly used in informal speech and text messages, but it is not considered as a standard English word.

For example:

• Are you going to the concert tonight? – Defo!
• That movie was defo worth watching.

It is important to note that defo should be used only in casual conversations and not in formal writing or professional settings.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “definitely” and “defo” to help you improve your writing skills.

How To Use “Definitely” In A Sentence

“Definitely” is an adverb that means without a doubt, certainly, or clearly. It is used to emphasize the certainty of something. Here are some examples of how to use “definitely” in a sentence:

• I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.
• She definitely knows how to cook a delicious meal.
• The concert was definitely worth the price of admission.

It is important to note that “definitely” should not be confused with similar-sounding words such as “defiantly” or “definably.” Using the wrong word can change the meaning of the sentence entirely.

How To Use “Defo” In A Sentence

“Defo” is a slang term that is short for “definitely.” It is commonly used in informal settings, such as texting or social media. Here are some examples of how to use “defo” in a sentence:

• Are you coming to the party tonight? – Defo!
• I defo need to buy some groceries before the weekend.
• She’s defo the best singer in the competition.

It is important to note that while “defo” is acceptable in informal settings, it should not be used in formal writing. Stick to using “definitely” in professional settings.

More Examples Of Definitely & Defo Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how the words “definitely” and “defo” are used in sentences. While both words express certainty, “definitely” is considered more formal and standard, while “defo” is more casual and informal.

Examples Of Using Definitely In A Sentence

• I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.
• She definitely deserves a promotion for her hard work.
• The movie was definitely worth watching.
• He definitely needs to improve his communication skills.
• There is definitely something wrong with this machine.
• We definitely need to address this issue as soon as possible.
• That is definitely not what I meant to say.
• She definitely has a talent for singing.
• He definitely knows how to make a good cup of coffee.
• There is definitely a lot of work to be done before the deadline.

Examples Of Using Defo In A Sentence

• I’m defo going to the concert next week.
• She’s defo the best candidate for the job.
• That movie was defo one of the best I’ve seen in a while.
• He’s defo not the kind of person you can trust.
• We should defo try that new restaurant downtown.
• Defo let me know if you need any help with that project.
• She’s defo going to be a great mom.
• He’s defo the most talented musician in the band.
• That’s defo not what I expected to happen.
• We’re defo going to have to work overtime to finish this project.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using definitely and defo, there are some common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to be aware of them and avoid them whenever possible.

Interchanging Definitely And Defo

One of the most common mistakes people make is using definitely and defo interchangeably. While both words convey a similar meaning, they are not interchangeable.

Definitely is an adverb that means without a doubt or certainly. It is used to express a high degree of certainty or to emphasize a statement. For example: “I will definitely be there on time.”

Defo, on the other hand, is a slang term that is short for definitely. It is often used in casual conversation or text messages. For example: “I’ll defo be there on time.”

Using defo in a formal or professional setting can come across as unprofessional and may not be well-received by others. It’s best to reserve defo for casual conversations with friends and family.

Avoiding Mistakes In The Future

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to be mindful of the context in which you are using definitely and defo. If you’re in a formal or professional setting, it’s best to use definitely to convey a high degree of certainty. If you’re in a casual setting, defo is acceptable.

Additionally, it’s important to proofread your writing and double-check your use of these words. If you’re unsure about which word to use, consult a dictionary or ask a trusted friend or colleague for advice.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “definitely” and “defo,” context matters. While both words convey a sense of certainty, there are situations where one may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “definitely” and “defo” might change:

Formal Writing

In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, “definitely” is the more appropriate choice. This is because “definitely” is considered a standard English word, while “defo” is more informal and may be seen as unprofessional.

Informal Conversations

In informal conversations, such as chatting with friends or family, “defo” may be more appropriate. This is because it is a slang term that is commonly used in casual settings. Using “definitely” in this context may come across as too formal or stiff.

Text Messaging

When it comes to text messaging, the choice between “definitely” and “defo” may depend on the tone of the conversation. If the conversation is lighthearted and casual, “defo” may be more appropriate. However, if the conversation is more serious or formal, “definitely” may be the better choice.

Regional Differences

It’s worth noting that the choice between “definitely” and “defo” may also depend on regional differences. In some parts of the world, such as the UK, “defo” is more commonly used and accepted in both formal and informal settings. In other parts of the world, such as the US, “definitely” is the more standard choice.

Overall, when it comes to choosing between “definitely” and “defo,” it’s important to consider the context in which they are being used. By doing so, you can ensure that your language is appropriate and effective in conveying your intended message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using definitely and defo are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Informal Writing

In informal writing, such as texting or social media posts, it may be acceptable to use defo instead of definitely. This is because informal writing often prioritizes brevity and colloquial language over formal grammar rules. For example:

• “I defo want to go to the concert tonight!”
• “Defo gonna hit up the beach this weekend.”

2. Regional Dialects

In some regional dialects, the use of defo instead of definitely may be more common or even preferred. For example, in some parts of the UK, defo is a commonly used slang term. However, it’s important to note that using regional dialects may not be appropriate in all contexts and may be considered unprofessional in certain settings.

3. Intentional Emphasis

In some cases, using defo instead of definitely may be a deliberate choice to emphasize a point or convey a certain tone. For example:

• “I defo did not eat the last slice of pizza.”
• “That movie was defo the best one I’ve seen all year.”

However, it’s important to use intentional emphasis sparingly and appropriately, as overusing it can come across as unprofessional or insincere.

Practice Exercises

Using definitely and defo correctly can be tricky, but with practice, it can become second nature. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Sentence	Word (definitely or defo)
I will _______ be at the party tonight.	defo
The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow, but I _______ think it will.	definitely
She _______ wants to go on vacation this summer.	definitely
He _______ knows how to fix the car.	definitely
We _______ need to finish this project by Friday.	definitely

Answer Key:

• I will defo be at the party tonight.
• The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow, but I definitely think it will.
• She definitely wants to go on vacation this summer.
• He definitely knows how to fix the car.
• We definitely need to finish this project by Friday.

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either definitely or defo:

1. It’s possible that I will attend the meeting.
2. She is interested in learning how to play the guitar.
3. He thinks he can finish the project by himself.
4. The restaurant may have a table available for us.
5. They are considering buying a new car.

Answer Key:

• I definitely might attend the meeting.
• She defo wants to learn how to play the guitar.
• He definitely thinks he can finish the project by himself.
• The restaurant definitely may have a table available for us.
• They definitely are considering buying a new car.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of definitely and defo in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using these words like a pro!

Conclusion

After exploring the usage of “definitely” and “defo,” it is clear that these two terms have different connotations and should be used in appropriate contexts. “Definitely” is a formal term that is suitable for professional and academic settings, while “defo” is a more casual term that is appropriate for informal conversations and social media platforms.

It is important to note that the usage of “defo” is not considered standard English and may be frowned upon in formal settings. Therefore, it is recommended to use “definitely” in situations where clarity and precision are essential.

As language enthusiasts, it is crucial to continue learning about grammar and language use. By expanding our vocabulary and understanding the nuances of language, we can effectively communicate and express ourselves in various contexts.