The importance of thank you in English

Learning to say “thank you” and “you’re welcome” in English is essential for social skills and for your success, whether you’re a native speaker or not. Here’s why.

1. It’s important to show gratitude.

If someone does something for you or gives you a gift, it’s natural to say “thank you”. It doesn’t matter how big or small whatever they did for you is. Saying “thank you” shows that you appreciate their efforts. Knowing different English expressions to say “thank you” will make it easier for you to express your gratitude and appreciation appropriately in any situation.

2. It’s polite.

Of course, “thank you” is one of the first phrases our parents taught us when we were little kids. Why? Well, because saying “thank you” is simply polite – and being polite is essential in most cultures.

Still, it’s especially so in English-speaking countries. The more polite words and phrases you know, the better your English will sound.

3. It’s a social norm.

Saying “thank you” is a basic necessity, no matter where you live. There are definite social expectations for doing so, and breaking those expectations can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

In some countries, not saying “thank you” in certain situations means being rude. And you definitely don’t want to come off as a rude person!

How to say thank you in English

So, how do you give thanks to someone in English? By saying “thank you”! This expression is used when:

  • someone gives you a gift;
  • compliments you; or
  • simply does something nice for you.

It’s also used in everyday situations, such as when the lady behind the counter hands you the change at the store.

A less formal way to say “thank you” in English is “thanks”. If you’re expressing gratitude to someone you have a formal relationship with, such as your boss or the call center agent you’re talking to on the phone, then “thank you” is the polite way to do it. If you’re thanking someone you know, such as a friend or your mum, the more informal version of “thanks” is the best option.

Here are more than 30 ways to say “thanks” in English.

English Context
Thank you. Usually in a formal setting, but it can be used in a casual setting.
Thanks. In a casual setting, for example, to a friend.
Thank you very much. Emphasizes how thankful you are.
No, thank you. To politely decline something.
Okay, thank you. To agree to a solution or offer.
Thank you, my friend. To thank a friend.
Thanks a million. To thank someone very much in a casual way.
Thanks a ton. To thank someone very much in a casual way.
Thank you for everything. To thank someone for their effort.
Thank you, have a nice day. A polite way to end an exchange, for example, in an email or over the phone.
Thank you for your help. To thank someone for helping you.
Thank you for coming. To thank someone for attending an event.
Many thanks. Informal way to express thanks.
Thank you, sir / madame. To thank someone you don’t know.
Thank you for your business. To thank a customer for doing business with you.
Thank you for the gift. To thank someone for a gift.
Thank you for listening. To thank someone for lending an ear.
Thanks in advance. To thank someone for something they will do for you.
Thank you for your service. To thank a service person, such as a waiter or call center rep.
Thank you for the ride. To thank someone for driving you, or to thank a taxidriver.
Thank you, brother / sister. To thank your brother, or to thank someone who’s like a brother / sister to you.
I’m so grateful. To express gratitude.
I appreciate it. To express appreciation.
I can’t thank you enough. To express deep gratitude.
That’s so kind of you. To thank someone for something they did for you that they didn’t have to do.
You’ve been a big help. To thank someone for their help.
I couldn’t have done it without you. To express appreciation for someone’s help.
Much appreciated. To casually express appreciation.
Much obliged. To express gratitude.
I really appreciate your help. To express appreciation.
I value your support. A formal way to express appreciation.
Accept my endless gratitude. A very formal way to express gratitude.
You’re a lifesaver! A casual way to say how much someone has helped you.
You shouldn’t have! To thank someone for something they did that you didn’t expect them to do.

How to say thank you in English formally

When you’re in a formal setting, such as in a business meeting or when talking to your boss, you want to be very careful with the language you’re using to express yourself. While expressing your gratitude is essential, if you do it in a way that is not appropriate for a formal setting, you might come across as unprofessional.

To help you avoid these awkward situations, we’ve come up with 10 ways to formally say thank you in English.

English Context
Thank you. General way to give thanks, appropriate in any situation.
Thank you very much. General way to give thanks, appropriate in any situation.
I sincerely appreciate your help. A formal way to express appreciation for someone’s help.
Please accept my deepest thanks. A very formal way to give thanks; mostly used in official written correspondence.
I appreciate your assistance. Used in a business setting to thank someone for their help.
Your assistance/work is sincerely appreciated. Used in a business setting to thank someone for their assistance or work.
Thank you for your time. Used in a business setting, for example, after a job interview.
Thank you for your feedback. Used in a business setting, for example, after someone provided valuable feedback.
Thank you for your consideration. Used in a business setting, for example, after being offered a job interview.
Thank you for your help. A formal way to thank someone for their help.

Ways to say thank you in casual English or English slang

Your English vocabulary can’t be complete unless you know a few useful expressions to say thank you in an informal setting. These expressions are used to express gratitude to friends, family members, or other people you have a casual relationship with.

Here are a few different casual thank you phrases and their contexts.

English Context Country of use
Thanks. A casual way to give thanks. All
Many thanks! A casual way to give thanks. All
Thanks a ton. A casual way to give thanks. All
Thanks a million. A casual way to give thanks. All
Thanks a bunch. A casual way to give thanks. All
Appreciate it. A casual way to express appreciation. All
You’re the best. To express gratitude for something someone did. All
Cheers. A casual way to give thanks in British or Australian English. England, Australia
Cheers, mate. A casual way to give thanks to a friend in British or Australian English. England, Australia
Ta muchly. Thank you very much in British slang. England
Chur. New Zealand’s slang word for “thank you”. New Zealand

Ways to say thank you in social media or messaging slang

Seeing a lot of THX, TY, and TGIF all over social media? Getting messages from your friends that look like an undecipherable code? Did you know that these are actually abbreviations of different “thank you” phrases?

If you didn’t, we understand! The older we get, the harder it becomes to keep up with the new social media and messaging abbreviations. But don’t despair! We’ve got you covered with this list of different ways to say “thank you” over the text.

English Context Country of use
Thanx / thnx / thx An abbreviation of “thanks” All
Ty An abbreviation of “thank you” All
Tyty Meaning “thank you, thank you”, as in thanking a crowd after giving a speech, but used in a text All
Fnx Short for “thanks” All
Tysm Abbreviation of “thank you so much” England
Tgif Abbreviation for “Thank God, it’s Friday!” All
Kthx Abbreviation for “ok, thanks” All
Tyia Abbreviation for “thank you in advance” All
Nty Abbreviation for “no, thank you” All
Tysvm Abbreviation for “thank you so very much” All
Tyfe Abbreviation for “thank you for everything” All
Tyfj Abbreviation for “thank you for joining”, used in gaming or virtual groups All

How to write a thank you note in English

In English-speaking countries, it’s customary – and polite – to send a thank-you note after receiving a gift. The same goes for showing appreciation for someone’s hospitality, such as when you stay in their home or enjoy a meal with them.

But how do you write a thank you note for different social situations? Here are some examples:

Example 1 – Business

Dear *name*,

Thank you so much for your time and valuable advice last week. I really appreciate everything you’ve done to help get this project moving forward.

Sincerely, *your name*

Example 2 – Thank you note to a friend or family member

Dear *name*,

How are you? I just wanted to say thanks so much for your help! I couldn’t have done this without you.

Love you, *your name*

Example 3 – Thank you note for a gift

Dear *name*,

I received your gift. It’s lovely! Thank you so much for remembering my birthday. I truly appreciate it.

All the best, *your name*

Example 4 – Thank you note for a teacher

Mrs./Mr. *name*,

With this short note, I wanted to thank you for your assistance and advice throughout the academic year. I’m truly grateful for such an amazing teacher.

Please accept my deepest thanks.

Regards, *your name*

Other words for grateful

When someone does something nice for you, it’s a good idea to let them know you appreciate their efforts. The word “grateful” is one of the best ways to express your appreciation.

Here are seven different expressions and synonyms of gratitude and appreciation in English:

  • I am grateful to you.
  • I am indebted to you.
  • I’m obliged.
  • I’m thankful.
  • I appreciate it.
  • I’m really appreciative of what you did.
  • I can’t thank you enough.

How to say you’re welcome in English

In English, “you’re welcome” means “you don’t owe me anything for what I did” and is the polite way to reply when someone thanks you. Another way to phrase it is “no problem”.

The correct way to spell it is “you’re welcome” or “you are welcome” without the contraction. The different spellings you might see on the internet (especially on social media and chats), such as “your welcome” or “youre welcome”, are incorrect.

Here are 19 ways to say you’re welcome in English.

English Context
You’re welcome. Both formal and informal
You’re very welcome. Formal
No problem. Informal
No worries. Informal
Of course, no problem. Both formal and informal
My pleasure. Both formal and informal
Don’t mention it. Informal
Sure thing. Informal
Happy to help. Both formal and informal
You got it! Informal
Not a problem. Informal
Anytime! Informal
Don’t give it a second thought. Informal
The pleasure is all mine. Formal
Glad I could be of assistance. Formal, business setting
It was nothing. Slightly casual
Absolutely. Informal
No thanks are necessary. Formal, business setting
Certainly. Formal, business setting

Learn to say thank you in English with songs

Songs are a great way to memorize new vocabulary! They are catchy, fun, and can brighten your day. Plus, dedicating a song to someone who’s truly important to you can be an excellent way to express your gratitude to them.

Here are a few songs in English that you can use to express gratitude:

Thank You

... from Dido

Thank U

... from Alanis Morissette

Thank You for the Music

... from ABBA

Thank You Baby

... from Shania Twain

Thank you in English

With these 90+ expressions to say “thank you” and “you’re welcome” in English, you’re now prepared to appropriately express your gratitude and give thanks in any social situation.

If you enjoyed this article and further want to improve your English language skills, check out our English language courses.