It can be difficult for learners to know when to use each of these very similar adverbs, This short guide should help with understanding how each of them can be used in context.
surely
You use surely for emphasis when you are objecting to something that has been said or done.
`I can have it ready for next week.’ – `Surely you can get it done sooner than that?’
Their lawyers claim that they have not broken any rules, but surely this is not good practice.
American speakers also use surely to agree requests and statements.
Surely, yes, I agree with that.
definitely
Use definitely simply to give strong emphasis to a statement.
They were definitely not happy.
The call definitely came from your phone.
certainly
Use certainly when you are agreeing with something that has been said, or confirming that something is true.
Ellie was certainly a student at the university but I’m not sure about her brother.
‘You like him, don’t you?’ – `I certainly do.’
It is still a difficult world for women.’ – `Oh, certainly.’
Use either definitely or certainly to say emphatically that something will happen in the future.
The conference will definitely be postponed.
If nothing is done, there will certainly be problems.
naturally
Use naturally to emphasize that something is what you would expect in particular circumstances.
His sister was crying, so naturally Sam was upset.
Naturally, some of the information will be irrelevant.
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