Of course you can know more about "of course"

The small phrase "of course" is something many people learning English have a problem with sometimes.

dictionary.com gives us:

of course,

a.	certainly; definitely: Of course I'll come to the party.

b.	in the usual or natural order of things: Extra services are charged for, of course.

But, dictionaries do not say that the way "of course" is said, makes it sometimes sound a little agressive, condescending, patronising or disdainful.

Some examples of where this could happen:

Example 1

English native speaker: "Do you know the English word "decipher"?

English learner "Of course, I know it!" (meaning, "I am happy to inform you that I already have learned this word "decipher")

To the native speaker, because it was said with emphasis "!" it could sound like "I know this word, do you not realise that I know it?"

Better here to say "yes, I know this word already, but thanks for asking"

Example 2

Would you like a cup of tea?

Of course! (meaning "I am happy you are offering a cup of tea and I am very glad to say yes)

To the English native speaker, they may hear "did you not realise I wanted some tea, how silly of you to ask me"

Better here to say "yes, I would love a cup of tea thanks!"

 

The reason for this confusion comes from native speakers often using "of course!" in small arguments

example

"do you not know how to use a brush? you are getting the dust everywhere!"

"of course I know how to use a brush, I'm not stupid you know!!"

 

So, be careful with "of course" as a small two word answer to a question.

Of course, you can use "of course" as part of a general statement

"Of course, many people like to visit the seaside when it is sunny and hot"

 

By for now

Alan