Surely vs Definitely: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to using the words “surely” and “definitely,” many people may wonder which one is the proper word to use in certain situations. The truth is that both words can be used correctly, but they have slightly different meanings.

Surely means “without doubt” or “certainly,” while definitely means “without question” or “clearly.” So, while both words convey a sense of certainty, they do so in slightly different ways.

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between surely and definitely, and provide examples of when each word might be appropriate to use.

Define Surely

Surely is an adverb that means without doubt or certainly. It is often used to express confidence or certainty in a statement or action. For example, “I surely believe that we will succeed in our endeavors.”

Surely can also be used to indicate agreement or affirmation. For instance, “Surely, you must see the logic in my argument.”

In some contexts, surely can convey a sense of surprise or disbelief. For example, “Surely, you can’t be serious!”

Define Definitely

Definitely is an adverb that means without question or doubt. It is often used to express a high degree of certainty or conviction in a statement or action. For example, “I definitely plan to attend the conference next month.”

Definitely can also be used to indicate a clear or unambiguous answer or decision. For instance, “The answer is definitely yes.”

In some contexts, definitely can convey a sense of emphasis or assurance. For example, “I will definitely finish the project on time.”

Surely	Definitely
Without doubt or certainly	Without question or doubt
Expresses confidence or certainty	Expresses a high degree of certainty or conviction
Indicates agreement or affirmation	Indicates a clear or unambiguous answer or decision
Can convey a sense of surprise or disbelief	Can convey a sense of emphasis or assurance

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in the clarity and accuracy of your message. Two commonly used words that can often cause confusion are “surely” and “definitely”. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Surely” In A Sentence

“Surely” is an adverb that is used to express a high degree of certainty or confidence in something. It can also be used to indicate that something is expected to happen or be true.

Here are some examples of how to use “surely” in a sentence:

• Surely, you must be joking!
• I surely hope that I get the job.
• He surely knows how to make a good cup of coffee.

It’s important to note that the use of “surely” can sometimes come across as confrontational or argumentative, so it’s best to use it sparingly and in the appropriate context.

How To Use “Definitely” In A Sentence

“Definitely” is an adverb that is used to indicate that something is certain or without a doubt. It can also be used to express agreement or confirmation of something that has been said.

Here are some examples of how to use “definitely” in a sentence:

• I will definitely be attending the conference next month.
• She definitely deserves a promotion for all her hard work.
• Definitely, let’s meet up for lunch tomorrow.

It’s worth noting that the use of “definitely” can sometimes be seen as informal, so it may not be appropriate in all contexts, such as in academic or professional writing.

More Examples Of Surely & Definitely Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with a plethora of examples of how to use “surely” and “definitely” in a sentence. By the end of this section, you will have a better understanding of how to use these two words in different contexts.

Examples Of Using “Surely” In A Sentence

• Surely, you can’t be serious?
• She will surely win the race.
• He surely knows how to play the guitar.
• She will surely be disappointed if she doesn’t get the job.
• He surely deserves a promotion for his hard work.
• Surely, you can lend me a few dollars.
• She will surely regret her decision later.
• He surely has a lot of experience in this field.
• Surely, you can’t expect me to do all the work.
• She will surely be thrilled to hear the news.

Examples Of Using “Definitely” In A Sentence

• He will definitely be there on time.
• She definitely needs a break from work.
• He definitely knows how to cook a delicious meal.
• She will definitely get the promotion she deserves.
• He definitely has a good sense of humor.
• She will definitely regret her decision later.
• He definitely has a lot of potential in this field.
• She will definitely be happy with her new car.
• He definitely deserves a raise for his hard work.
• She will definitely be successful in her new business venture.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “surely” and “definitely,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using these two words and why they are incorrect:

Using “Surely” As A Synonym For “Definitely”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “surely” as a synonym for “definitely.” While both words convey a sense of certainty, they are not interchangeable. “Surely” implies a high degree of probability or likelihood, while “definitely” implies absolute certainty.

For example, consider the following sentences:

• She will surely be at the party tonight.
• She will definitely be at the party tonight.

The first sentence suggests that there is a high probability that she will be at the party, while the second sentence suggests that there is no doubt she will be there.

Using “Definitely” To Express Agreement

Another common mistake is using “definitely” to express agreement with someone or something. While “definitely” can be used to express agreement in some contexts, it is not appropriate in all situations.

For example, consider the following conversation:

Person A: “I think we should go to the beach tomorrow.”

Person B: “Definitely.”

In this context, “definitely” is an appropriate response because it expresses agreement with Person A’s suggestion. However, consider the following conversation:

Person A: “I heard that John got fired.”

Person B: “Definitely.”

In this context, “definitely” is not an appropriate response because it implies that Person B is certain that John got fired, which may not be the case.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:

• Use “surely” to express a high degree of probability or likelihood, but not absolute certainty.
• Use “definitely” to express absolute certainty.
• Avoid using “definitely” to express agreement unless you are certain that the statement is true.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “surely” and “definitely,” context is everything. Both words are used to express a high degree of certainty, but the choice between them can depend on the specific context in which they are used. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between surely and definitely might change:

1. Formal Writing

In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, the word “definitely” is often preferred over “surely.” This is because “definitely” sounds more authoritative and confident, which is important in these types of contexts. For example:

• “The defendant is definitely guilty of the crime.”
• “The results of the study definitely support our hypothesis.”

Using “surely” in these contexts might make the writer sound less certain or less confident in their statements.

2. Informal Conversations

In informal conversations, such as chatting with friends or family, the choice between “surely” and “definitely” might depend on the speaker’s tone of voice and the specific context of the conversation. For example:

• “Surely you’re not going to eat that whole pizza by yourself?”
• “I definitely want to go to the concert, but I’m not sure if I can afford it.”

Here, “surely” might be used to express surprise or disbelief, while “definitely” might be used to express enthusiasm or certainty.

3. Advertising And Marketing

In advertising and marketing, both “surely” and “definitely” can be used to create a sense of urgency or excitement. However, the choice between them might depend on the specific product or service being advertised. For example:

Product/Service	Example Sentence
Insurance	“You can surely protect your family’s future with our life insurance.”
Food	“Definitely try our new spicy chicken sandwich!”
Technology	“Surely you don’t want to miss out on the latest smartphone.”

Here, “surely” might be used to create a sense of fear of missing out (FOMO), while “definitely” might be used to create a sense of excitement or enthusiasm.

Overall, the choice between “surely” and “definitely” can depend on a variety of factors, including the context, the tone of voice, and the specific product or service being discussed. By understanding these nuances, writers and speakers can choose the word that best fits their intended meaning and tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of surely and definitely may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions where the rules might not apply. These exceptions are worth noting to ensure that your writing is clear, concise and effective.

1. Doubtful Tone

When writing in a doubtful tone, the use of surely and definitely might not be appropriate. This is because these words carry a sense of conviction and certainty, which contradicts the uncertain tone of the writing. For example:

• He will surely come to the party. (Certain)
• He might come to the party. (Uncertain)

In the above example, the use of surely is not appropriate as the tone of the sentence is uncertain. Instead, using might or may would be more appropriate.

2. Sarcasm

Using surely and definitely in a sarcastic tone can change the meaning of the sentence. In this case, the words are used to convey the opposite of their original meaning. For example:

• Oh, you definitely know how to make friends. (Sarcastic)
• You don’t know how to make friends. (Actual meaning)

In the above example, the use of definitely is used sarcastically to convey the opposite of its original meaning. Therefore, it is important to consider the tone of the sentence before using these words.

3. Formal Writing

In formal writing, the use of surely and definitely might not be appropriate as it can come across as too informal and casual. Instead, using more formal language would be more appropriate. For example:

• The results are definitely conclusive. (Informal)
• The results are conclusive. (Formal)

In the above example, the use of definitely is too informal for formal writing. Therefore, it is important to consider the tone and style of the writing before using these words.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between surely and definitely, it’s time to put them into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your usage:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. He ________ knows how to fix the car.
2. She will ________ be at the meeting tomorrow.
3. They ________ enjoyed their vacation in Hawaii.
4. I can ________ finish this project by Friday.

Answer Key:

1. definitely
2. surely
3. surely
4. definitely

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with either surely or definitely:

1. I ________ need a cup of coffee to start my day.
2. She ________ knows how to speak Spanish fluently.
3. We will ________ be attending the concert on Friday night.
4. He ________ deserves a promotion for all his hard work.

Answer Key:

1. surely
2. definitely
3. surely
4. definitely

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of surely and definitely in everyday conversations and written communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “surely” and “definitely” is subtle yet significant. While both words convey a sense of certainty, “surely” implies a level of doubt or uncertainty, while “definitely” conveys a stronger sense of conviction. It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to effectively communicate your message and avoid confusion.

Throughout this article, we have explored the meanings and usage of “surely” and “definitely” in various contexts. We have also discussed common mistakes and misconceptions surrounding these words.

Key Takeaways

• “Surely” implies a level of doubt or uncertainty, while “definitely” conveys a stronger sense of conviction.
• Both words can be used to express certainty, but they are not interchangeable.
• It is important to understand the context in which these words are being used in order to choose the appropriate one.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to improve their writing, there are many resources available to help you on your journey.