We were all taught (usually by our parents) to say please and thank you when we wanted something (please) and when we received something (thank you). I still think a simple thank you is so important whenever anyone does something for us or offers us something. So let’s learn how to say THANK YOU in English correctly. It does not cost any time to reply with a simple thank you. Watch how people react they nearly always smile.
There are many forms to say thank you in English. A simple quick thanks is quite informal and very acceptable.
How to Say Thank You in English
THANK YOU SO MUCH or THANK YOU VERY MUCH are not only more formal but also express a deeper appreciation.
The other day a man kindly helped me when I has a spot (a little) of difficulty with my car. He would not take any payment so I offered my sincere thanks with a very warm “thank you so much” as I really meant it.
THANKS A LOT has a similar meaning but is more informal and used quite commonly today. It is no less meaningful because we use the informal form so do not be afraid to express yourself in such a way.
Other forms of Thank you are used depending on which country you are in. In England and Ireland you will often hear THANK GOD but its more said in a form of gratitude that everything has worked out ok rather than an expression of appreciation.
For example: The weather was really bad and lots of ice lay on the road. When I got home safely my Mother said “thank God you are home safely”.
It is also used as follows: Thanks be to God. It has an identical meaning. Be careful not to confuse them both. I often hear students say Thanks God but this is incorrect.
Other options how to say Thank You in English include such expressions as:
THANKS A MILL/MILLION (Irish English)
and
THANKS A BUNCH
These very popular English expressions are informal and are used in everyday situations.
It can also be said with a hint of sarcasm or irony. Usually when someone means the opposite. Perhaps, you did not really help the person or your help did not assist in any way for example:
Me: Hi. Gary could you give me a hand to lift these boxes?
Gary: Sorry mate I just got dressed I am on my way out. I don’t want to get dirty.
Me: Ok thanks a bunch (ironic laugh)
Now you know how to say THANK YOU in English in a few different ways. And remember that saying THANK YOU is one of the easiest way to let someone know that we appreciate their help.
How to Say and Respond to Thank you in English
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Responding to Thank You
NOT AT ALL!
You use not at all as a polite response to someone thanking you for something.
‘Thank you very much for giving me a lift.’
‘Not at all.’
THAT’S ALL RIGHT
We use that’s all right in the same way.
‘Thank you for lending me your car today.’
‘That’s all right, I didn’t need it anyway.’
We can also use DON’T MENTION IT and IT WAS NOTHING
‘Thanks a lot for giving me a lift home.’
‘It was nothing.’
(IT WAS) MY PLEASURE is a little bit more formal
‘Thank you for baking a birthday cake for my son.’
‘It was my pleasure.’
More Information
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For more information on English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar, check out the following links:
English Vocabulary related to Marriage + Interactive Quiz
ED and ING English Adjectives + Quiz
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