Episode Overview

Podcast: All Ears English
Episode: 2531 — "Of Course You Should Use These Tips!"
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon, Aubrey Carter
Date: December 16, 2025

In this episode, Lindsay and Aubrey dig into the nuanced use of the phrase "of course" in American English. They explain how this seemingly simple response can be positive, enthusiastic, or unintentionally rude, depending on tone and context. Through role plays and concrete examples, they help listeners avoid common pitfalls and navigate social conversations with greater confidence and subtlety.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Contextual Meaning of "Of Course" (02:31–04:21)

• Personal Anecdotes: Both hosts share awkward experiences of sending messages to the wrong group, introducing the idea that some English phrases can have implications we don’t always intend.

  • "I thought I was texting to my partner, but I was texting in like a more professional group chat... Should I cook chicken?" — Lindsay [02:42]
  • Aubrey relates that her "of course" query sent to her volleyball group instead of ChatGPT ended in some comical responses, leading her to reflect on the accidental rudeness "of course" can imply.

• Central Topic Introduction:
  The phrase "of course" is generally positive but, in some situations, it can sound a bit "snappy" or critical — especially for English learners translating from their first language.

• Memorable Quote:
  "A common misunderstanding about 'of course' is that people use it to answer yes in different contexts... but in a slightly different answer, it does sound potentially a little snappy, don't you think?" — Lindsay [04:32]

2. Main Usages of "Of Course" (05:32–10:48)

a. To Offer Enthusiastic Agreement or Help ([05:47], [12:30])

• Description: When someone asks for help or a simple favor, "of course" means a friendly, enthusiastic "yes."
• Role Play:
  • Q: "Can you help me organize these files?"
  • A: "Yes, of course." [05:47]
• Clarification:
  "If ever someone has asked for help, you can say, yes, of course. And it's never rude." — Aubrey [06:10]

b. To Express Willingness/Eagerness to Join or Participate ([06:28])

• Example:

  • Q: "Want to come with me to a basketball game this week?"
  • A: "Yes, of course." [06:46]

• "Of course" conveys true enthusiasm, not mere politeness.

• Alternative phrases: "Yes, absolutely," "Of course," or just an enthusiastic "Absolutely!"

c. When Responding to Factual or Personal Questions ([07:37–08:53])

• Warning: "Of course" can come off as annoyed, critical, or even offended if used in the wrong context.

• Example:

  • Q: "Did you make these cookies yourself?"
  • A: "Yes, of course." — comes across as if you’re insulted they would doubt you.

• Quote:
  "If you say 'of course,' they might be assuming you were offended by the question." — Aubrey [08:15]

d. As a Friendly "You're Welcome" ([10:06])

• Example:

  • Q: "Thanks for staying late to help clean up."
  • A: "Of course." [10:26]

• Similar to "No problem," "Don't mention it," or "The least I could do."

• Tone Matters: The warmth and intention in your voice change everything.

  • "If I say 'of course' or 'no problem,' I'm letting you know I'm happy to help." — Aubrey [10:26]

3. Role Play: Moving House — Bringing All Meanings Together (11:54–14:13)

• Aubrey asks Lindsay for help moving; Lindsay enthusiastically agrees:

  • "Of course. What time should I come over?" [12:32]
  • "Of course, I'd love to." [12:43]
  • "Of course. Happy to help." [12:56]

• The role play highlights how tone and intention (genuine willingness, enthusiasm) come through with "of course" in friendly exchanges.

• "It's really important to mirror what you're saying. The words with gestures, with body language, with tone of voice, at least in American English it is." — Aubrey [14:35]

4. Avoiding Rudeness: When "Of Course" Feels Offensive ([07:49], [09:07], [13:07])

• Insight:
  Using "of course" when someone asks if you made or did something yourself can make you sound as if you're affronted they doubted you.
  • "Of course." — Implies "Isn’t it obvious?"
  • "That's implying that you think that I think it's not homemade or something." — Lindsay [13:07]
• Alternatives:
  • A simple "Yes, I did," followed by additional information/conversation is friendlier.
  • "Often it's great to immediately give more information. You just stop there, yes, I did, yeah? Trying to be strange, awkward." — Lindsay [09:36]
• Sharing a story or detail often leads the conversation in a friendly direction.

5. Tone, Body Language, and Cultural Nuance ([14:13–16:29])

• Emphasis on how body language and tone match words in American culture:
  • "It's very weird in life when you encounter someone whose gestures or tone of voice don't match the words they're saying." — Lindsay [14:13]
  • "It's really important to mirror what you're saying... so we don't send mixed messages or erode trust." — Aubrey [14:48]
• "Connection Not Perfection": Using phrases like "of course" warmly is part of building genuine connection.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Lindsay:

  • "A common misunderstanding about ‘of course’ is that people use it to answer yes in different contexts... but in a slightly different answer, it does sound potentially a little snappy, don't you think?" [04:32]
  • "The word 'sure' is so half-hearted, isn't it? Yes. It's such a disappointment." [15:48]

• Aubrey:

  • "If ever someone has asked for help, you can say, yes, of course. And it's never rude." [06:10]
  • "If you say 'of course,' they might be assuming you were offended by the question." [08:15]
  • "It's really important to mirror what you're saying... so we don't send mixed messages or erode trust." [14:48]

Important Timestamps

• 02:31 — Episode begins, personal mishap stories, topic intro
• 04:21 — Introduction of nuance: "of course" can be rude
• 05:38 — Four main uses for "of course" explained
• 06:46 — Role play: using "of course" as enthusiastic acceptance
• 07:37–08:53 — When "of course" is rude: answering factual questions
• 10:06 — Use as "you're welcome"
• 11:54 — Extended role play: Moving house scenario
• 13:07 — Discussing the "offensive" version and how to avoid it
• 14:13–14:48 — The key role of tone, body language, cultural context

Takeaways & Tips

• Use "of course" for: enthusiastic agreement, willingness to help, as a warm "you're welcome."
• Be careful when: answering factual or personal questions ("Did you make this?") — use a simple "yes" plus more info instead.
• Always match your words to your tone and nonverbal cues to build trust and avoid mixed messages.
• Avoid direct translation from your first language — nuances differ.
• Go beyond one-word answers: Share details to keep conversations flowing and friendly.
• Connection, not perfection: Forge stronger relationships in English by being attentive to how you speak as much as what you say.