Definately or not?

[Sue2]

This word to describe absolutely I was positive was "definately", but I see the same meaning everywhere on the web as definitely. I thought the latter was to do with definitive?

I know one thing ....I'm definately unsure of the correct spelling for what I need to convey! Please help me sort this out. Incidentally, it's for UK English, not US.

Many thanks for all the help and tests on this amazing site.

Sue.

[Alan]

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Hi,

The correct spelling is 'definitely' used to convey a positive confirmation as in:

A have you decided whether you'll come to the meeting?

B Yes.

A Are you quite sure about that?

B Yes, definitely.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Sue2]

Thank you so very much for that perfectly written reply, Alan.

Is it possible that it would have been spelled as "definately" when I was at school some years ago?

Many thanks indeed,

Sue

[Alan]

Hi,

Not really because that spelling has always been incorrect.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Sue2]

Hi Alan,

Ah well, it looks as though I've not always been a model English student then! Possibly why I rely on your newsletters, website and Forum then. In that case I will keep up the learning with you, improving too.

Many thanks Alan, I'm much obliged.

Sue

[Nola]

Hi Alan,
You said that "definitely" is just used to convey a positive confirmation.
I think we can use it also for negative confirmations.
e.g. I definitely won't go to school next week because I am traveling abroad.

What about that?

Nola
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Nola

[Alan]

Hi Nola,

Yes, but that can also apply to a negative verb. In other words you can positively say that you won't go.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice