Meaning & use
express thanks for
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformal
To tell someone politely that you are grateful for something they did or gave.
Grammar: Used as a whole phrase; the person is introduced with 'to' and the reason with 'for': express thanks to someone for something.
Patterns
- express thanks for something
- express thanks to someone for something
- express one's thanks for something
The manager expressed thanks for the team's hard work during the busy season.
In her short speech she expressed thanks to the volunteers for their help.
We would like to express our thanks for your generous donation.
phrasefixed phraseformal
To show official or public appreciation for something, often in writing.
Grammar: Common in letters, speeches and announcements; it can stand alone in a formal message.
Patterns
- express thanks for something
- express thanks on behalf of someone
The mayor expressed thanks for the funds raised by local businesses.
On behalf of the school, I express thanks for all the parents' support.
Common combinations
- express thanks for your help
- I want to express thanks for your help with the report.
- express thanks to someone
- They expressed thanks to everyone who came to the event.
- express one's sincere thanks
- She expressed her sincere thanks to the doctors.
- express thanks on behalf of
- He expressed thanks on behalf of the whole committee.
- publicly express thanks
- The company publicly expressed thanks for the rescue team's efforts.
Synonyms and how they differ
- thank
- The everyday verb; it names the person directly ('thank you for...'), while 'express thanks for' sounds more formal and often avoids naming the person.
- show appreciation
- Broader and warmer; it can include gifts or actions, not only words of thanks.
- acknowledge
- More neutral and formal; it means you recognize help, not necessarily that you feel grateful.
Word family
- thanks noun
- Words or feelings showing you are grateful.
- thankful adjective
- Feeling grateful for something.
- thankfully adverb
- In a grateful way, or used to mean 'luckily'.
Commonly confused: express thanks for or express thanks to?
express thanks for vs express thanks to
Learners often use 'to' for the reason, as in 'thanks to your help'. Use 'for' for the reason: express thanks for your help.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
'For' introduces the reason or thing you are grateful for, so 'thanks for the work' is correct. 'To' introduces the person, as in 'thanks to the volunteers', so option 1 mixes the two patterns.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “express thanks for”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.