Difference between SURELY and CERTAINLY

[Ellionora Pea]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #60 "Chit Chat: In the theatre", question 6

Mary: I've got it. ......... it's Dobson. Yes, that's it — Michael Dobson.

(a) Certainly
(b) Surely
(c) Naturally
(d) Obviously

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #60 "Chit Chat: In the theatre", answer 6

Mary: I've got it. Surely it's Dobson. Yes, that's it — Michael Dobson.

Correct answer: (b) Surely

Your answer was: incorrect
Mary: I've got it. Obviously it's Dobson. Yes, that's it — Michael Dobson.
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what is the difference between SURLY CERTAINLY?

[Alan]

Hi,

Certainly has the sense of 'it's a fact'. Surely is used when the speaker is either trying to reassure themeslves or another person.

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

[Cristovam]

I think the difference of meaning between surely and certainly minimum. Am I correct?

[Gatherer]

Good day, Sir!
Is it possible to use the word "obviously", because it was obviously Michael Dobson?

[Beeesneees]

As a standalone sentence, that would be possible, but not within the context of this test, which is a series of related statements. Only 'surely' works well when you place it within the whole dialogue.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
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[Alan]

Hi Gatherer,

If you used 'obviously' in the test sentence, you are really saying that it is clearly Dobson and there is no doubt about it but within the conversation the speaker uses 'surely' because she is asking the other person for reassurance that it is Dobson.

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

[Gatherer]

Thank you very much for you explanation.