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What do you guys think of it?
My friend asked me whether she can use "Sure" instead of "Of course not" in the following sentences. I don't think "sure" and "of course not" mean the same thing. What do you guys think of it?
—Mind some advice?
—Of curse not.
Oct 13, 2016 8:21 AM
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Answers · 9
You are right. If you ask a question with 'would/do you mind', the positive response has to be in a grammatically negative form:
Mind some advice?
Of course not. (meaning 'Of course I don't mind' = 'I'm happy to hear some advice.')
To respond with 'Sure', you'd have to swap the question round, and ask something that requires a grammatically positive response. For example:
Can I give you some advice?
Sure.
October 13, 2016
You are technically right but she is colloquially right.
SuKi is right above, but many people who speak English natively in the US will answer with "sure".
October 13, 2016
Sure = of course in this situation
E.g. Can I have another glass of your fine whisky? Sure / Of course.
"Of course not" has the opposite meaning.
October 13, 2016
Sorry for my carelessness.
October 13, 2016
If answering a yes/no question, 'Sure' means yes; 'Of course not' means no.
October 13, 2016
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