Different Ways to Say "Yes" in English (for IELTS Speaking and Everyday Conversation)

Saying "yes" is not just about agreeing; it's also about showing how strongly or weakly you agree, and how enthusiastic or certain you feel. Here’s a guide to different ways of saying "yes" in varying degrees, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and very much applicable to many  "yes/no" questions in the IELTS Speaking test. 

1. Enthusiastic agreement
When you want to show excitement or strong agreement, you can use:

• Absolutely!: This word conveys total agreement with emphasis.
  • Example: “Do you think this is a positive change?” --> “Absolutely!”
• Definitely!: Use this to indicate certainty.
  • Example: “Would you recommend this restaurant to friends?” -->“Definitely!”
• For sure!: An informal way to agree with enthusiasm.
  • Example: “Are you happy with your current role at work?” --> “For sure!”

2. Formal or polite agreement
In more formal settings, such as a job interview or a formal conversation, these are appropriate:

• Certainly: A polite way to agree, especially when offering assistance.
  • Example (IELTS): “Would you say that this  technology is beneficial to children?” -->“Certainly, although of course parents should always be aware of what their children are doing online.”
  • Example (work conversation): “Could you send me that report by tomorrow?” -->“Certainly.”
• (Yes,) of course: Expresses agreement with an implication that it’s obvious or expected.
  • Example (IELTS): “Are there any disadvantages to working from home?” -->“Yes, of course. There'd be disadvantages especially for new workers who may need mentoring from experienced colleagues and more training in how things are done in the workplace.”
• Indeed: A slightly old-fashioned but formal way to agree, often used to confirm something.
  • Example (IELTS): “Some people say that social media may be more harmful than helpful.”  --> “Indeed. I can see how people and even some experts would say that. However...”

3. Casual agreement
In informal situations, especially with friends, these phrases work well:

• Yeah: A very casual and common way to say yes.
  • Example (IELTS): “Do you remember a lot from your science classes?" -->“Yeah, I do, because I actually liked science--it was certainly easier to comprehend than math and I can say that I've been lucky to have had mostly great science teachers."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Do you want to grab coffee later?” -->“Yeah.”
• You bet!: Informal and slightly playful, implying confidence. This expression is usually used with peers or people you're familiar with. Note that there may be fewer scenarios where a candidate can use this in the IELTS exam, for example, when the speaking test is well underway and the discussion has warmed up enough to show an enthusiastic and quick positive response to a question. If in doubt though, it might be better to stick to expressions of polite agreement. 
  • Example (IELTS): "Have those books influenced you in some ways?"  --> "You bet! Reading all those sci-fi books as a teenager has shaped my taste in entertainment, from movies to all sorts of other creative work like music and visual art."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Can you help me with this task?” -->“You bet! What do you want me to do exactly?”

 
4. Mild or reluctant agreement
When you agree but with some hesitation or reservation:

• I suppose so: Indicates agreement, but with some doubt or reluctance.
  • Example (IELTS): "Do you feel that enough is being done to control these kinds of crimes in your country?" --> "I suppose so but... /I suppose authorities are trying but I kind of feel that it's not really their top priority."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Do you think we should go ahead with this plan?” --> “I suppose so.”
• Alright: Often used to agree to something you’re not fully enthusiastic about. This is more applicable to daily conversation than on the IELTS. 
  • Example: “Can we start the meeting early?” --> “Alright.”
• Fine: Used to agree, but with a tone that might suggest indifference or resignation. As indifference is NOT the tone you should be going for in the IELTS exam, this would also be more applicable to casual chats than in the IELTS. 
  • Example: “Let’s go to the restaurant that Amy recommended.” --> “Fine.”

5. Agreement with conditions
When you agree, but only under certain conditions:

• As long as…: Indicates that you agree if a specific condition is met.
  • Example (IELTS): "Is working in an office still something you'd consider doing?" -->"As long as I wouldn't work there five or even six days a week, I would consider it. I think three to four days a week in the office would be reasonable."
  • Example (work conversation): “Can we work together on this project?” --> “As long as we divide the tasks equally.”
• On the condition that… More formal, often used in agreements or negotiations. 
  • Example (work conversation): “I’ll approve your request on the condition that you submit the report by Friday.”
  • Example (IELTS):  "Do you think people should be allowed to work from home?" --> "Yes, I believe people should be allowed to work from home on the condition that they remain productive and meet their work deadlines."

Whether you’re just having a friendly chat, in a meeting, or getting ready for the IELTS Speaking test — it really helps to change up how you respond. Matching your tone to the topic and showing some energy can make you sound more natural and confident.