Adverbs as short responses (definitely, certainly)

Spoken English:

We often use some adverbs in speaking as short responses to show attitude or viewpoint:

A:
You know DVDs? Can you record onto them?

B:
Absolutely.

A:
Dr Kahn is very nice. He’s very interested in his patients.

B:
Oh, do you think so?

A:
Definitely.

A:
There might be a film on at 2 pm that we could watch.

B:
Yeah, probably.

A:
Mandy isn’t going because she just doesn’t like Rick.

B:
Exactly.

A:
Maybe she bought two of the same sweaters in case something happened to one.

B:
Yeah, possibly.

A:
It should be called ‘English Test’ not ‘Test of English’.

B:
Precisely.

Spoken English:

We often use not really in this way to soften a no-answer:

A:
Do you not like chocolate?

B:
No, not really.

We use certainly and of course typically as a reply to a request for a service or favour:

A:
Can I have the bill please?

B:
Certainly.

[in a clothes shop]

A:
Is it OK if I try these on?

B:
Of course.

We often use adverbs that make the meaning stronger (very, extremely, really) as a short response:

A:
He’s an intelligent dog, isn’t he?

B:
Yes, very/extremely/highly.